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Boys Trust Program Criteria & Requirements

All projects submitted for funding to the Margaret Annis Boys Trust should have the following characteristics:

1. The area to be included in the project must be a public park or median, or if owned by a non-profit organization, it must be open to the public without charge and without closed gates or other restrictions. The property should be in Oklahoma County or in those portions of Oklahoma City which are not in Oklahoma County. Preference will be given to areas with high visibility or significant public use. Landscaping of buildings and landscaping associated with new construction is a lower priority and generally has not been funded.
   
2. The primary focus of the project should be plantings and improvements to existing plantings and vegetation. Plantings to be funded should be permanent improvements or perennial flowers, and the project should be a permanent improvement to the area. Included are:
   
   1. Planting of trees, shrubs and grasses
      
   2. Preparation of area for planting, including clearing and soil preparation
      
   3. Provision for watering and drainage
      
   4. Incidental improvements related to the landscaping

1. Project planners should consider recommendations provided in Supplemental Information for Margaret Annis Boys Trust Proposals which is included in the Application Part II.
   
2. Irrigation systems may be included but must be an integral part of a total beautification project. Irrigation of existing areas without significant additional improvements to landscaping will not be considered. Irrigation systems may not be more than half of the grant award. Irrigation systems on public property must be approved by the appropriate authority.
   
3. Concrete, brick and masonry work, electrical installation, landscaping of signs and equipment needed for maintenance are generally not funded.
   
4. Each project must have a clearly defined sponsoring organization with a vested interest in the project and the ability to provide the long-term maintenance for the project. The sponsoring organization must have some geographic proximity to the project to allow for monitoring of maintenance needs and general oversight of the project. The existence of sponsoring groups with strong ties to the project area generally ensures better long-term maintenance.
   
5. Each project will require matching resources from the submitting organization and other sources. Some contribution of cash and materials will be required. Other sources of match may be in-kind services for design and installation. The value of in-kind services should be the market rate for the service if purchased by the organization based on the experience of the providers. Maintenance is not included in the match.
   
6. Each project must have a maintenance plan and a description of how the maintenance will occur. The ability of the project to be maintained in the future is a primary concern in the review of all Boys Trust proposals. Included in this maintenance plan should be the commitment of those who will maintain the project regarding specific maintenance needs.
   
7. School-based projects should have a curriculum component which educates the students regarding the value of trees and landscaping, and involves the students in both the installation and maintenance of the landscaping. School-based projects require a letter of commitment from the school system for specific watering and maintenance services, which will ensure the projects are cared for through the summer and over the long term. This commitment is required even if volunteer groups are involved in the maintenance plan.
   
8. Any project to be done on public property or property not owned by the applicant must include letters from appropriate authorities or owners giving permission for the work to be done and providing preliminary approval for the basic design. No funds will be released for projects until all permission, permits and other approvals are received and work is ready to start. Special instructions are available for projects on property owned by the City of Oklahoma City including park property, medians and right-of-way for city streets.
   
9. Organizations and groups that are not non-profit with IRS Letters of Determination may participate in the Boys Trust program, but grant funds will be expended through a special Community Foundation expense account.

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