Growing Alternative Resource Development and Enterprise Network (GARDEN), Inc. serves as a community connector that links nonprofit organizations, individual artists, arts organizations, private foundations, and social entrepreneurs together in projects that help heal the world. GARDEN, Inc. was founded in 2009 as a nonprofit pathway to fundraising and development services for artists, environmentalists, educators, and healers in need of financial support for their projects.

Executive Director, Susan Silverman, utilizes her 30+ years of experience in the nonprofit arena for the benefit of GARDEN, Inc. and all of its partner organizations. Since its founding, GARDEN, Inc. has been responsible for raising over $3.2 Million in grant-based funding for a variety of initiatives. In addition, we have helped our 80 organizational affiliates to achieve project and resource-based support and to turn their dreams into realities.

The work of GARDEN, Inc. focuses on a four pillar model that inspires our work:

Arts – As public support for the arts continues to decline, there remains a ubiquitous need to share resources and discover creative sources of financial support for artists and community arts projects. GARDEN, Inc. provides consulting services for: grant writing, editing, strategic planning, training workshops, and fiscal sponsorship for individual artists and arts organizations.

Education – Teaching and learning are at the core of the work of GARDEN, Inc. We offer personal and group consultations on fundraising, strategic planning, community development, and sustainability. GARDEN, Inc. maintains a library and and an art library that serve as an ongoing resource for all of our partners and affiliates.

Environment – Protecting our world for future generations, addressing the challenges of a changing climate, and preserving our natural resources are values that GARDEN, Inc. carries forward. By promoting and utilizing organic agriculture, permaculture principles, renewable energy, appropriate technology, and alternative modes of transportation, we are helping to build a more sustainable future for the generations to come.

Healing – GARDEN, Inc. subscribes to the wisdom of the ancient Roman poet Virgil that “The greatest wealth is health.” Grant writing and development support is provided to healthcare and social service organizations that focus on innovative and alternative methods of healing. Climate change is a primary concern at GARDEN, Inc. and we focus on programs that work to heal our environment and our selves.

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GARDEN, Inc. Board of Directors:

Susan Silverman, President

Executive Director and Founder of GARDEN, Inc. Writer, educator, researcher, organic gardener, project director, development specialist, visual artist and community organizer.  She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Food Conspiracy Cooperative, and works as Project Technical Specialist for the Tucson Unified School District Food Services Department.

Susan served on the Public Arts and Community Design Committee of the Tucson-Pima Arts Council. Appointee from City of Tucson, Ward 6 Office by Councilman Steve Kozachik from 2013-14.
http://www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org/public-art/panels-and-committee/

Richard Roati, Vice President

Information technology specialist, organic gardener and urban agriculture expert. Currently serves as IT Administrator for Providence Service Corporation, Member of the Broadway-Broadmoor Neighborhood Association and chair of the Urban Forestry Committee.

Ezra Roati, Secretary/Treasurer

Architectural Assistant, Landscape Architecture and Alternative Energy Systems Designer. Selected designer for Grow Down! The Great Urban Design Challenge at Tucson Botanical Gardens (2013). Former Board Member, B’nai Brith Gerd & Inge Strauss Manor on Pantano, low-income elderly housing project.

Na’amah Rue

Childbirth doula and mother of five.. A Jewish eco-feminist and founder of Imeinu Birth Collective, she is also a social media consultant, former co-chair of the Green Party’s national newspaper Green Pages, and a former member of the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission.

Hallie Bongar White

Attorney and Executive Director of the Southwest Center for Law and Policy (SWCLAP). SWCLAP is a tribal technical-assistance provider for the US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women and serves as the parent organization for the National Tribal Trial College.

“GARDEN, Inc. is the best nonprofit in the world!”