Stonewall Garden Organization

By:

 

Stonewall Gardens, Our Organization

Dallas Independent School District initially funded program but eliminated science lab teacher position and all program funding in 2008 budget crisis.

 

The Stonewall community was unwilling to let this model program wither and immediately raised funds to bring back our instructor (initially part-time).

 

For ongoing funding and program support, parent volunteers established a new non-profit, Stonewall Gardens Outdoor Science Lab in January 2009; tax-exempt status was granted in 2009.

 

Annual budget: $75,000, including the instructor contract (full-time in 2010-2011), curriculum writing project, community outreach (newsletter and website) and fundraising, and science and garden supplies.

 

Goals of the organization: Sustain and enhance the program for Stonewall students; reach out to the community as participants in community gardening and supporters of the program; connect with other outdoor/science garden programs to collaborate academically and possible conduct joint fundraising.

 

Funding

Individual donations account for nearly 50% of the budget. Last year donations came from nearly 300 families and community members in Dallas and beyond (Stonewall neighbors gave more than $10,000). Our average donation last year was $137 and ranged from $4-$1,500.

 

$10,000 grant from the City of Dallas (Loving My Community) was awarded in July 2010.

 

Corporate/business donations totaled approximately $14,000 last year.