West Springfield Garden Club’s Member Scholarship Program

Purpose: To increase knowledge in new data, techniques, products, or other information of interest and value to the general membership and the public, the WSGC has allocated a maximum of $500 per scholarship to support the educational activities of individual members.

Criteria: Requests for financial support must be for activities in horticulture, gardening, ecology, or other areas in keeping with the Club’s mission. The person applying for this scholarship must be a member of the WSGC in good standing.

Application Procedure: An individual may apply at any time of year by submitting a letter of intent to the President with an overview of the activity, its schedule, and the amount requested. Supporting material, such as program fliers, should be included. Specific descriptions of how the individual will disseminate the information obtained to the general membership and public, and how they will benefit, are required in the request for the scholarship. This may take a variety of forms: workshops;  talks at meetings open to the public and members;  articles in the WSGC monthly Newsletter, displays of products etc.

Review Process: The Executive Board reviews the submission, judging the scholarship materials on completeness, appropriateness, and the extent to which the general membership and the public will benefit. The Executive Board will take into consideration: the number of members applying, the individual’s level of involvement within the club, the final benefit to the club, and the public.

The amount will be limited to $500 per year with a two-year limit per individual for the same activity. The Executive Board will evaluate and determine the scholarship amount per request. The total amount awarded each year will not exceed the annual budgeted amount for the Club’s Member Scholarship Program.

Final Reimbursement: Within 30 days of completing the activity, the member will submit a reimbursement form to the treasurer with receipts as necessary.