History and Background:
The IGC was founded in 1934 by nineteen women who shared a general interest in gardening. The IGC’s Scholarship Fund was formed in 1960. That year it awarded one scholarship of $250. Today, IGC’s 160 members are people of all ages and both genders who learn about and appreciate gardening. It is the mission of the IGC to work together to pro-tect and preserve native plants and habitats, promote the beautification of our community, and provide college scholarships to qualified coastal West Marin students. The members of the IGC believe individuals are enriched when they are exposed to the diversity of information, opinions and people which a college experience offers. Follow-up data on past IGCSF scholars who have graduated from college indicates that higher education offers wider career choices, enriches scholars’ lives and encourages them to be informed and active citizens.

As members of the IGCSF, we are committed to serving our community by providing financial assistance to qualified, financially encumbered residents of coastal West Marin who seek a college education. To do so, we work year-round to raise funds for our scholars by making and selling home-made jams and baked goods at the Holiday Crafts Fair, organizing and running the flea market at the Inverness Fair, applying for grants and soliciting members and friends. In May 2007, the IGCSF awarded $80,000 in scholarships to 37 deserving students with financial need from coastal West Marin.