Press Release

Florida Initiative

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Central Florida Foundation have partnered in an effort to protect and enhance Florida's environment through a multi-year program designed to increase community gardens and green spaces throughout the state.

Through the ScottsMiracle-Gro Florida Grassroots Grants Fund established at the Foundation, selected organizations will receive grants to develop and implement initiatives that safeguard and strengthen the environment throughout Florida.

"Our partnership with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is an example of how the Central Florida Foundation works with businesses to provide grant-making strategy, tools, knowledge and expertise needed to invest in strengthening communities," said Michelle Chapin, the Foundation's vice president of community investment. "We look forward to providing continued support for the company's commitment in Florida through its fund here."

The multi-year grant program is part of a broader commitment ScottsMiracle-Gro has made in Florida to support Florida-based scientific research, homeowner education and partnerships with Floridians to help restore natural resources and support green infrastructure through community gardening and green space development.

It's also an extension of the company's GRO1000 initiative, a community outreach effort launched in 2011 to work with community partners to create more than 1,000 community gardens and green spaces by 2018.

The Florida initiative is a pilot the company hopes will be replicated in other states.

"We've seen the numerous benefits that community gardens and green spaces can bring to individuals, to neighborhoods and to the environment," said Chris Allen, President, South Region, ScottsMiracle-Gro. "We are proud to partner with the Central Florida Foundation to bring these benefits to communities throughout the State of Florida."

The ScottsMiracle-Gro Florida Grassroots Grants Fund will provide three years of grants, with the first year focused on South Florida and the second and third years focused on Central Florida and North Florida, respectively. The Foundation will identify candidates for the grants, choosing those that match the company's criteria for the initiative.

An organization in each county of the state within the focus areas will be awarded a grant for a total of 67 grants. The first round of grants is underway. For more information on the ScottsMiracle-Gro Florida Grassroots Grants, visit www.scotts.com/Florida.​