THE FREE Strawberry Shortcake event is a highlight of the annual Strawberry Festival (GGSFA photo).

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association producers of the venerable Garden Grove Strawberry Festival held annually every Memorial Day Weekend, are  accepting applications for 2023 grants/donations from non-profit organizations, which serve the citizens of Garden Grove. Requests must be received no  later than Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 to be considered. 

“Each year it is our goal to give back to the community by  donating to non-profit organizations which provide services for children,  seniors, youth, community and the arts,” says Patrick Catlin, donations chair and immediate past president of  GGSFA. “We strive to do so in a fair and  equitable manner to all eligible organizations. Priority is typically given to  Garden Grove-based organizations, however, consideration will be given to eligible organizations which serve residents of Garden Grove.”

Coming off of a record year, the Association will donate $200,000 raised from this year’s 2022 Festival to non-profit organizations which serve Garden Grove citizens who apply for 2023 grants/donations, as opposed to $100,000 in years prior. This amount is in addition to the work they do regarding:

• Scholarships to local school students 

• Treating over 2,000 special needs kids to a day of free rides and food

• Subsidizing local school bands to help them participate in the Saturday parade

• Raising more than $7 million for local charities since its inception in 1958.

Application Letters must be submitted on the non-profit organizations letterhead and include the non-profit identification number, amount of the request and the purpose for funding. Requests may be emailed to Donations@strawberryfestival.org, or mailed to: Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Attention: Donations Committee, P.O. Box 2287, Garden Grove, CA 92842. 

GGSFA Donations are limited to improvements, new equipment, repairs or maintenance of existing capital assets. Funds are not given to organizations which award charitable cash grants. Donations to approved organizations will  be reimbursed the amount rewarded when paid invoices are submitted after completion of purchases or capital improvements. 

Other selection criteria considered include organizations which: 

– Use the majority of their time and finances for the betterment of the community. 

– Have a sound track record of fiscal responsibility, or for new groups,  which plan to achieve financial soundness. 

– Demonstrate stability and consistency in attaining goals and fulfilling a purpose. 

– Demonstrate a specific need. 

– Provide services regardless of race, creed, gender or age.

The  63rd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival will be held Friday through Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023 on the Village Green, located at Euclid and Main Streets.