NPSOT-SA Grant Program (Micro-grant)

NPSOT-SA Grant Program (Micro-grant) is sponsored by Native Plant Society of Texas, San Antonio Chapter (NPSOT-SA). This micro-grant program offers a $50 voucher to individuals in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter, to create native plant gardens at their home, business, or other private/public space.

Apply to our Grant Program - Native Plant Society of Texas Apply to our Grant Program The Native Plant Society of Texas, San Antonio Chapter (NPSOT-SA) Grant Program supports community projects that promote native plant use, habitat conservation, and restoration through education, outreach, and hands-on examples.

It also aims to educate members and the local community on the importance of native plants while encouraging research on their conservation and restoration. Funded projects will promote awareness and education of Texas native plants to the public or support research that aligns with these goals.

Examples of previously awarded grants include native plant gardens at schools and other public spaces, invasive plant management/control efforts, and habitat restoration projects. Students conducting research or teachers incorporating native plant studies into classroom content are encouraged to apply. The NPSOT-SA chapter provides financial support, technical guidance, and recognition for projects that meet these goals.

Any member is encouraged to develop an idea into a fundable project and submit a grant proposal for consideration. Grants are awarded twice per year during the March and September NPSOT-SA Board meetings (spring and fall cycles), subject to board approval and available funds.

Grants of up to $500 support public space gardens such as schools, non-profit entities, seed banks, restoration projects, student research, and/or classroom projects.

Applications are accepted from entities located in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter, including: Nonprofit organizations (e.g., schools, churches, and land trusts) Nature and conservation-related organizations Private entities ((considered by the board on a case-by-case basis; must be public-facing/engaging) To expand the availability of native plants, NPSOT-SA offers grants to individuals or small businesses interested in starting or expanding a commercial enterprise (such as a wholesale or retail nursery) that primarily focuses on native plants.

Grants of up to $500 are awarded subject to board approval and available funds. Awardees will have the opportunity to consult with local native plant professionals.

Funds may be used for costs such as: Growing supplies (pots, soil, seeds) Business licensure (e.g., Texas Department of Agriculture Nursery and Floral License) Applicants must be located in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter and meet the following criteria: Have or be willing to obtain the necessary business licensure (grant funds may be used for this purpose) Be a current NPSOT member Business enterprise must be a minimum of 90% native plant focused.

Individuals may apply for a $50 micro-grant to create a native plant garden at their home, business, or other private/public space. The project must create, improve, or increase native habitat in the applicant’s area.

A 30-minute consultation with an NPSOT volunteer A $ 50 voucher redeemable at an NPSOT-SA NICE partner nursery Eligible Applicants Micro-grant applications are accepted from individuals in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter.

Priority consideration will be given to: Projects involving children or underserved populations gaining experience with nature Projects with public impact (e.g., front yard vs. backyard gardens) To apply, complete the Grant Application Form . Applicants must provide contact details and a project description.

Including additional details—such as a project budget, other funding sources, maintenance plans, public impact, or research publication plans—will strengthen the application. Grant applications are accepted at any time; however, awards will be evaluated twice per year during the March and September NPSOT-SA Board meetings. To be considered in each cycle, applications must be submitted by February 20 and August 20 , respectively.

This allows time for the Grants Committee to review submissions and make recommendations to the Board. The following criteria will guide award decisions: Degree of public engagement/public impact Degree of support for new botanist/enthusiasts Meets all requirements for funding (see above) Grant Reporting Requirement All grant recipients must submit a report on their completed project to share with NPSOT-SA membership.

This report may include: Recipients are also encouraged to present their project at an NPSOT-SA monthly meeting . Have questions? Need assistance?

Contact the current Grants Committee Chairperson: Complete Grant Application Form Learn About Past Grant Awardees This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9. 5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation.

More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana ) and Central America occur. The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone.

Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam. Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur.

Occasionally, oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass ( Tripsacum dactyloides ); and switchgrass ( Panicum species ). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor , and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found.

Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ) and huisache ( Acacia farnesiana ), and invasive species such as chinaberry ( Melia azedarach ), Brazilian pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius ), and Chinese tallow ( Sapium sebiferum ) have increased and displaced our native flora. Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason