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� � on initial plans and save some design ideas for a"Phase Two" of the garden. Use the Sample Bud�et Worksheet (page 20) to develop the gazden's budget and determine a priority list. A budget will help identify annual expenses and determine how much to charge for a plot, 12. Where to Get Materials and Money While some stazt-up funds will be needed, through determination and hard work, you can obtain donations of materials for your project. Community businesses might assist, and provide anything from fencing to lumber to plants. The important thing is to ask. Develop a Donation Letter (page 21) that tells merchants about your project and why it's important to the community. Attach your "wish list", but be reasonable. Try to personalize this letter for each business you approach. Drop i[ off personally with the store manager, preferably with a couple of cute kids who will be gardening in tow! Then, follow up by phone. Be patient, persistent, and polite. Your efforts will pay off, wifh at least some of the businesses you approach. Be sure to thank these key supporters and recognize them on your garden sign, at a garden grand opening, or other special event. 11�ioney, which will be needed to purchase items not donated, can be obtained through corrununity fund- raisers such as car washes, craft and rummage sales, pancake breal�asts, and bake sales. They can also be obtained by writing grants. Contact the foundation to see if the community garden is a good iit and what is the process for applying for a grant. Be awaze grant writing efforts can take six months or longer to yield results, and you will need a fiscal sponsor or agent with tax-exempt 501(c)3 status (such as a church or non-profit corporation) that agrees to administer the funds. 13. Make Sure Your Garden Infrastructure is in Place If you have not yet formed a garden group, now's the time to do so. It's also time to establish garden rules, develop a garden application form (see sample gardener agreement, page 18) for those who wish to participate, set up a bank account, and determine what garden dues will be if these things have not akeady been done. This is aiso the time to begin having monthly meetings if you have not already done so. AIso, if you haven't already contacted your city councilperson, he or she can be helpful in many ways including helping your group obtain city services such as trash pick-up. Their staff can also help you with community organizing and soliciting far material donations. Review Preserving the Garden: Elements of Sustainabilitv (page 22) for additional suggestions for a solid garden infrastructure. Many gardens have an annual spring meeting in March for the garden group members. During this meeting, o Review the Communitv Gardening Planning Worksheet (page 16) with the garden group — see if there are any questions. o Reassess the garden rules (often listed as part of the Communitv Gardener Visit our website at Agreement, page 18) www.gardeningmatters.org for additional ideas for o Review Job Descriptions as a group to see what is working and what needs to Sazden rules and job be changed. Assign people to each job. des�riptions co�npiled fro,n local wmmunity gardens o Determine garden offcers for following year, if applicable o R�view the Communitv Garden Heaith and Safet�oIicY(page 24) and go over safe practices within the garden. o Schedule workdays and special events and assign people to committees for each workday or event. ��n�d� rnr�� \t:!ir�•i,('t� ti�;��t !'�,(;uii+r. S��n 'Ur�t� w��u.cardeningm:ittcrs.ar, - 6:24