Frequently asked questions

Our mission is to green our communities through affordable to no cost alternative landscaping solutions, conservation, education, advocacy and the implementation of community gardens in order to enhance environmental quality, protect biodiversity and improve food quality and security. Through our programs, we aim to enhance community well being and promote ecological balance. Our goals include increasing
vegetation density, conserving biodiversity, promoting food security, and enhancing air quality by reducing carbon emissions through sequestration for a healthier more sustainable future for all.

 The Raw Earth Foundation stands out from similar organizations through its holistic approach to greening communities and its unique combination of services and initiatives. We go beyond traditional tree planting by offering innovative landscaping solutions, such as xeriscaping, no-mow lawns, green fences, and native and butterfly gardens, tailored to meet the specific needs of communities and the environment. In addition, we emphasize accessibility, We recognize that landscaping and green spaces are often seen as luxuries. Our mission ensures that every community, regardless of budget or resources, has access to clean air, natural beauty, and the benefits of green spaces. Lastly, We champion food security by designing native, low-maintenance fruit and vegetable gardens, using permaculture principles to create sustainable food forests for individuals and communities.

Raw Earth Foundation secures funding through our landscaping design and project management services, grants, donations, fundraising platforms, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and events. These funds support our programs to educate and advocate on environmental sustainability, conserve natural habitats and increase vegetation density in our communities.

 

Raw Earth Foundation offers a range of sustainable landscaping services and environmental quality
programs designed to benefit individuals, businesses, communities and local government institutions.

Productive green spaces are outdoor areas that are designed to provide environmental, social, and
economic benefits. These spaces go beyond just being aesthetically pleasing—they are intentionally designed to be sustainable and enhance the productivity of the land from ecological stand point. Examples of productive green spaces include edible gardens that provide fresh produce, pollinator-friendly gardens that
support pollinators like bees and butterflies, xeriscapes that conserve water, and low-maintenance landscaping that promotes environmental balance. These spaces help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, conserve resources, and increase biodiversity, all while offering a beautiful and functional space for the community or property owners. Ultimately, productive green spaces turn outdoor areas into
thriving, sustainable ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet.

Sustainable landscaping practices, like xeriscaping, no-mow lawns, and native gardens, offer numerous environmental benefits, including reduced water usage, improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. These practices not only make outdoor spaces more resilient but also contribute to the long-term health of our planet.

Our expansion strategy focuses on scaling our impact through strong community partnerships, sustainable funding, and operational efficiency. By working with local governments, businesses, and environmental organizations, we aim to build lasting relationships that extend our reach. A key part of our growth will involve establishing an endowment fund, offering our sustainable landscaping services to businesses and homeowners, and ensuring consistent revenue streams. Additionally, we plan to grow by implementing repeatable systems that maximize productivity, while leveraging technology and fostering collaborations to stay aligned with our mission of improving environmental quality.

We ensure the success of our projects by implementing a strategic design and planning process based on the climate, soil quality, and unique conditions of each area. We work with local native nurseries and land care professionals who provide expertise and resources tailored to the region. Additionally, we conduct thorough site assessments, customize each project to meet the specific environmental needs, and employ
sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping practices. Our team manages every aspect of the project to ensure it aligns with our high standards, resulting in a lasting and positive impact on the community.

Yes, our landscaping services are available nationwide! Through partnerships with local land care professionals, we can create custom, sustainable landscaping designs for clients across the country. By submitting photos of your property, we can develop a tailored design based on your specific needs and environmental conditions. Once the design is approved, our trusted partners will handle the implementation,
transforming your space into a beautiful, productive green space, no matter where you’re located.

No, foundations grant money to charitable organizations and Raw Earth Foundation does not. Rather, the organization is a charitable organization which just so happens to have the word foundation in its name. The name “Raw Earth Foundation” was chosen for its symbolic meaning, drawing from the term “foundation” in its other sense as the lowest structural element that supports a building. Just as a foundation is crucial for the stability and strength of a structure, the raw land beneath us provides the fundamental support for all
life. It is the Earth’s natural resources that sustain ecosystems, plants, animals, and human communities. By using the word “foundation,” the organization emphasizes its commitment to protecting and nurturing this critical base that sustains life on our planet, ensuring it remains a thriving and resilient environment for
generations to come.

We prioritize long-term sustainability by using native plants, low-maintenance landscaping practices, and working closely with local experts. Additionally, we provide education and resources to ensure that property owners and communities are equipped to care for their landscapes, ensuring continued environmental benefits for years to come.

 Absolutely! We offer consultation services to help you create a sustainable, eco-friendly landscape that
meets your needs. Simply reach out to us through our website, and we’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your project, offer recommendations, and provide a customized plan.

If you’re unable to afford our landscaping services,  you can apply to be a beneficiary through the Roots for Tomorrow or Greenspace Assistance Program. We believe that access to environmentally friendly landscaping should be available to everyone, regardless of their budget, and partnering with us is one way you can make it happen.

Non-profit charities, small businesses, and residents located in low-income neighborhoods, as defined by
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are eligible for the Greenscape Assistance Program. This ensures our support reaches the communities that need it most.

There are several ways you can support the Raw Earth Foundation! You can donate directly through our website, participate in our fundraising events, sponsor a program or initiative, or volunteer your time and
skills. Every contribution, whether time, resources, or financial support, helps us advance our mission to green communities and protect the environment.

We offer our sustainable landscaping services to individuals, businesses, and communities. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create a native garden, a business wanting to implement xeriscaping, or a community organization aiming to improve local green spaces, we provide customized solutions that meet your needs and budget.

Yes! We offer the option for donors to contribute to specific programs or projects that resonate most with their values. Whether it’s supporting our Roots for Tomorrow tree planting initiative or the Greenscape Movement, your donation can go directly to the cause you care about.

Donations and grants are vital for funding our conservation and environmental quality programs and may be used to provide sustainable landscaping services as well to underserved areas through the Greenscape Assistance Program. Clients who do not qualify for the Greenscape Assistance Program are responsible for
funding their own landscaping projects. The income generated from these services helps sustain our organization and supports our mission-driven programs. This model , allows our clients to receive high-quality, eco-friendly landscaping solutions while also contributing to the broader environmental impact of our initiatives.

Our landscaping design and project management fee is 15% of the project cost.

Yes, Raw Earth Foundation is currently 100% volunteer-run.

While volunteers do not receive a direct monetary stipend for their time, they choose to work with the Raw Earth Foundation for a variety of meaningful reasons. These include gaining valuable experience for their resumes, learning about nonprofit operations, contributing to community service, building or developing new skills, networking opportunities, and most importantly, a shared passion for our mission and
cause.

Every Department Manager requires a different number of hours for their volunteer team members. As a baseline, everyone must contribute at least 3 hours per week. We also require response times to be within 24-48 hours of instant/email messaging. Unless a volunteer has communicated being unreachable in advance
with their Manager or HR, it is grounds for potential dismissal from the organization if non-responsiveness to deadlines and messages happens on 3 or more occasions.