MNLA Foundation

2007 MNLA Foundation Update:

CLICK HERE TO READ GORDIE'S TRAVEL JOURNAL ENTRIES FROM 2006!

Join us for the 2007 Tour de Plants: Trek for the Trees!
Do your part for horticultural research by participating in the 2007 Tour de Plants: Trek for the Trees - July 28, 2007. It's only $30 to participate. We’ll start with breakfast at the University of Minnesota’s west bank, and loop around the lakes of Minneapolis on bike trails with frequent designated stops for breaks, food, games, and networking. For you serious riders, we even have tacked on extra miles.
Click here to read more...

Growing research and education for the future!

The MNLA Foundation was created in 2004 to support educational institutions and industry-directed research that will benefit nursery, greenhouse and landscape companies.

The MNLA Foundation raises money and enhances industry-education connections to help achieve the following:

• Provide research that will benefit green industry companies like yours.  The Foundation will invest in industry-directed research on nursery and greenhouse production systems; plant pest and disease problems; development of new plants; better landscape design, installation and maintenance methods; horticultural marketing and management; and much more.
  
• Provide quality training to future nursery, greenhouse and landscape professionals.  The Foundation wants to ensure that two- and four-year institutions in the region that offer horticulture and landscape education have the necessary resources and support.
  
• Provide information to the public about careers in Minnesota's nursery, greenhouse and landscape industry.

How does the MNLA Foundation raise funds?
The primary source of funding will be a program called the Research Partners Fund. A voluntary donation of ¼ of 1% made on purchases of plants and other nursery / greenhouse / landscape supplies will provide funding that can make a real difference for meeting our industry's needs for research and qualified employees from colleges and universities. Of course, direct contributions are also welcomed!

How does my company participate in the Research Partners Fund?
Participating suppliers will simply add a ¼ of 1% line item on your invoice next to the statement:
“Voluntary tax-deductible contribution to MNLA Foundation research and education.”
On an invoice totaling $5,000, your contribution will be only $12.50.  This contribution is not taxed, but is tax-deductible.
Suppliers: If you're interested in being a fund-collector, contact bob@mnla.biz or call 651-633-4987.

Who decides where Foundation dollars are invested?
The Foundation is governed by an 11-member Board of Trustees made up of representatives from your fellow nursery, greenhouse and landscape companies, plus two representatives of academia.  Trustees are:

Want to learn more?
The MNLA Foundation Bulletin is published twice a year. Contact the MNLA to obtain a free copy!

Important Notes:

• The MNLA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Consequently, contributions may be deductible as a regular business expense or charitable deduction.  Check with your accountant for the best procedure to take full advantage of the available tax deduction.  Please track your contributions from your invoices.

• By voluntarily paying the ¼ of 1%, you have provided the MNLA Foundation with consent to recognize your company's name in the organization's year-end report.  If you want to contribute, but don't want to be listed in the report, please contact the Foundation by October 1 of each year.

• Contributions will NOT be consumed in administrative overhead.  The only expected administrative expenses will be for tax filing and a financial review/audit.  Bookkeeping, program management and administrative services will be donated by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association for the foreseeable future.

For more information, call Bob Fitch at 651-633-4987or e-mail bob@mnla.biz