What makes a good community great? One that has green spaces for families, friends, neighbors and community members to enjoy. Unfortunately, the funding to maintain public green spaces can be one of the first to get cut or simply forgotten. To help improve outdoor environments like neighborhood parks, playgrounds and other great spaces, Toro launched a “Green Spaces Makes Great Places” grant program on Oct. 12. This all-new community grant program will be awarding $15,000 to communities and non-profit organizations to improve landscapes across America.
“Every day, we work to help customers enrich the beauty, productivity and sustainability of their outdoor environments,” said Judson McNeil, manager of the Toro Giving Program. “We’re looking for the public’s help in identifying and selecting worthy organizations that show commitment to creating great green spaces enjoyed by their community.”
Toro is asking the public to nominate non-profit organizations – 501(c)(3) or government entities like state or city park and recreation divisions, conservation divisions, and public educational entities – that are doing great work to beautify and maintain green spaces.
Online entries will be accepted through Oct. 31, 2012, at www.facebook.com/Toro.Yard/app_403359706360567. At the conclusion of the nomination period, a panel of Toro representatives will evaluate and select four finalists to create (and submit by Nov. 19, 2012) a brief video further detailing their organization’s mission. The grant awards will be determined by a public vote from Nov, 21, 2012, to Dec. 14, 2012, at www.facebook.com/toro.yard. The first-place organization (earning the most votes) will receive $7,000; the second-place organization will be awarded $4,000; and the remaining two organizations will be given $2,000 each. Winners will be announced Dec. 17, 2012.
Visit www.facebook.com/Toro.Yard/app_403359706360567 to see the complete terms for nominating and voting guidelines.