SAF has been an active partner of the Greenhouse since our founding in 2007, and we have helped to support many of their projects. In February 2007, funding from the nascent SAF was instrumental in creating the position of a part-time co-ordinator, whose responsibilities included helping to lead the project, coordinating volunteers, and helping to make the Greenhouse financially sustainable. Development of income-generating activities during this period helped to ensure the Greenhouse’s position on campus.

In 2008, we again allocated funding to the Greenhouse for a part-time co-ordinator, this time in the aim of ensuring predictable hours of operation for the space (which at the time required key access) and developing the Atrium space to include a greater selection of plants, both exotic and native. In 2009, we more than doubled our financial commitment to the Greenhouse, allowing them to hire a full-time co-ordinator, expanding their activities even further. The impact of this full-time co-ordinator was obvious: the Greenhouse was able to further increase its funding base, both through applications to other granting agencies and the development of revenue-generating activities, allowing us to lower our funding in 2010 and providing us the opportunity to fund other worthy projects without jeapordizing the health and strength of the Greenhouse. Lastly, in 2011 and 2012, SAF allocated more funding toward part-time co-ordinator positions.