Friendship Botanic Gardens Secures $10,000 Matching Grant to Double the Impact of Emergency Fundraiser

Michigan City, IN - Friendship Botanic Gardens is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 matching grant from the Barker Welfare Foundation in support of the Emergency Fundraising Campaign. This generous grant will match every public donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, doubling the impact of each contribution.

The Emergency Fundraising Campaign ensures the Gardens remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for years to come. Proceeds will support vital improvements to garden structures and grounds, directly advancing Friendship Botanic Gardens’ mission to connect people to nature, culture, and one another through transformative outdoor experiences.

“This grant is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision,” said Jenilee Haynes Peterson, Executive Director. “We are incredibly grateful to Barker Welfare Foundation for this amazing match, and with the community’s support, we can complete these infrastructure projects and ensure the Gardens continue to flourish for generations to come.”

To meet the match, Friendship Botanic Gardens is urging the public to donate by January 31, 2026.

“We’re inviting the community to help support this effort,” said Susan DeMaio, Executive Director of the Barker Welfare Foundation. “It’s an opportunity for donors to extend their impact. The Gardens are an important local resource, shaped by a long history and continued community support.”

Funds raised and matched will be used to make vital repairs to the Trail Creek Bridge, ensuring the safety of the Gardens for all visitors.

Launched in July, the Emergency Fundraiser has raised over $42,000, 56% of its $75,000 goal to date. The funds raised enabled Friendship Botanic Gardens to remove at-risk trees and fix electrical hazards, improving the safety of the Gardens. 

To contribute, visit www.friendshipbotanicgardens.org, mail a check to P.O. Box 8834, Michigan City, IN 46361, or call (219) 878-9885.

About Friendship Botanic Gardens

Friendship Botanic Gardens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving a 105-acre natural sanctuary nestled in an old-growth forest along Trail Creek in Michigan City, Indiana. Featuring formal gardens, wooded trails, and cultural garden exhibits, the Gardens provide a peaceful haven for education, recreation, and community connection. Learn more at friendshipbotanicgardens.org or call (219) 878-9885.