The first #GivingTuesday for The Herb Society of America raised $3,000 for the Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grants. Members and non-members contributed $1,400 and a matching donation rounded the number to $3,000.
The grant encourages schools to teach the use and pleasures of herbs to children from third to sixth grade. Donald Samull, was an elementary school teacher who used herbs in his classroom to teach math, science, English, and social studies. Through a gift from his estate, The Herb Society of America established The Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant. Annually, ten schools receive $200 in “seed” money to start gardens at their school.
The funds may be used for supplies such as soil, plant trays, containers, child or youth sized tools, etc. A school may seek additional funding and support from other sources.
In 2016, more than 200 applications arrived from school in almost every state. Grants were awarded to 10 schools. Application deadline for 2017-18 academic year is October 1, 2017 with awards announced December 1, 2017.
If you’d like to donate before 2016 ends, contribute here.
