HOT Urban Gardening Coalition

MISSION:

The mission of the Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition (HOT UGC) is to strengthen the local food system, improve access to healthy food, and empower folks to grow their own.

VISION:

• To foster cooperation between different community groups;
  
• To encourage sustainable community development through natural gardening practices
  
• To support production and consumption of healthy vegetables; and
  
• To develop community financial literacy through entrepreneurship all because of our shared passion for gardening.

Since its inception in the spring of 2005, the Urban Gardening Coalition has served as a unique group facilitating discussion and organizing activities for individuals and organizations who are interested in gardening as a means of building community. Our current garden activities include providing support and guidance for more than 15 churches and community organizations across the Heart of Texas, conducting afterschool garden clubs with Waco ISD, and  promoting the local food movement and entrepreneurial activities through the Waco Downtown Farmers Market.  However, the UGC is much more than growing gardens.  Our projects span from skill shares to food stamp outreach.  As a coalition, we encourage and support partners and interested individuals dedicated to strengthening the local food system by providing support through shared resources of garden skills and knowledge.  We are now a 501(c)3 incorporated nonprofit with the IRS, so all donations are tax deductible.

Staff

Bethel Erickson-Bruce, Director

Zacary Bryan, Development Coordinator

2010-2011 BOARD of DIRECTORS:

• Chris McGowan – President
• Jen Adams – Vice President
• Neal Curran – Treasurer
• Jenny Hodge – Secretary
• Charles Conkin
• Trey Crumpton
• Tasha Moore
• Vernon Clark
• Holly Bustle

Financial Statements and Accountability

We seek to be good stewards of funds we receive to carry out our mission.  All of our board and member meetings are open meetings which include a review of our financial statements and a discussion of how to best use funds to further our mission.  Check out the following documents:

2011 Cash flow and Balance Sheet

2011 Annual Report.

2012 April Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

2012 Updated Bylaws

2012 IRS Determination Letter