Franklin park conservatory and botanical gardens in ohio will hire a community outreach manager to revitalize the organization's outreach program to help with post-pandemic community rebuilding

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens $111,944 under the National Leadership Grants program to support a community outreach initiative in Columbus, Ohio. Through this project grant funding, the conservatory will hire a community outreach manager to develop new partnerships with organizations serving underserved neighborhoods near east and south Columbus. The conservatory will also provide 500 free annual memberships to economically disadvantaged families in these neighborhoods along with wraparound programming and educational opportunities. This initiative aims to ensure the conservatory's resources meet evolving community needs and connect residents to horticultural and cultural experiences, in fulfillment of its mission. The grant period is November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022.

This new staff member will cultivate new partnerships with community organizations, institutions, and other groups working with columbus' underserved near east side and south side neighborhoods. Franklin park conservatory and botanical gardens also will provide 500 free yearlong memberships to economically disadvantaged families in the target neighborhoods, wraparound programming to ensure these families receive the maximum benefit of their membership, on- and off-site educational programming, and free admission days for the county. Through this effort, the conservatory will ensure its programs and resources are designed to meet the changing needs of the community, fulfilling its mission to improve quality of life and connect the community through educational, cultural, and social experiences inspired by horticulture.