Advocacy

ADvocacy

The membership of the American Public Gardens Association identified Advocacy as the #2 Goal for the 2023 Strategic Plan.

APGA is committed to advocacy and leadership on behalf of the industry and its members. Beyond merely representing the interests of our gardens on a national level with key stakeholders, we seek to build relationships and provide resources that give our members the tools they need so they remain indispensable in the eyes of their communities.

Key Issues

The challenges and opportunities for public gardens everywhere.

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Get Involved

Ways you can be a voice for public gardens everywhere.

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Advocacy Policy

The Association’s Official Advocacy Policy as approved by the Board of Directors.

Public Garden Magazine - focus on Advocacy

The August, 2025 Public Garden magazine featured a focus on Advocacy at public gardens:

– Making the Case for Public Gardens
– PA Gardens: Cultivating Influence
– Botanic Garden Advocacy at International Levels
– The APGA Advocacy Committee

ADvocacy ACTIONS

Association Advocacy has supported several initiatives, including these recent legislation and judicial decisions.

Universal Charitable Deduction

Starting in FY2026, Americans filing personal taxes using the standard deduction are able to deduct $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a couple in charitable contributions. APGA advocated for this bipartisan, bicameral measure with AAM and ASAE.

529 "Career Savings Accounts"

“529 Savings Accounts” expanded to include post-secondary certifications and licenses. APGA joined with ASAE in support of this bipartisan, bicameral measure.

Protecting Members

The Association joined a coalition of Museum Associations, the American Library Association, and AFSCME in an amicus brief in support of a temporary injunction in Rhode Island v. Trump.
The proposed Executive Action impacted a number of IMLS grants awarded to APGA members.
The injunction was upheld and the case decided in favor of keeping IMLS open.
The Administration can appeal before 1/31/26.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is one of the primary ways that the Federal Government provides support to museums (public gardens are classified as “living museums”).
APGA advocacy along withe hundreds of museum advocates at the American Alliance of Museums’ “Museums Advocacy Day” has increased funding for these matching grants from $30M to over $55M in 10 years.
Learn more about IMLS grant opportunities and the impact they have on the sector and individual gardens here.