Great news! The IRS has recently decreed the Lake Highlands Community Garden to be a public charity.

If you're looking for specifics, the IRS documentation officially reads, "Upon review of your application for tax exempt status, we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code."

Let the garden grow!

It's good news for Van Lane, treasurer for the LHCG board of directors, who informed fellow gardeners last week.

Lane reported the specifics of the filing process to LH Today on July 5th, while working in his own plot at the garden.

"It began when fellow gardener Tom Harris, who also happens to be an attorney, filed the Articles of Incorporation with the state back in June of 2009."

"After that, the board of directors was established, and over a period of several months additional policies were put in place."

Lane, an accountant by trade, then used $700 from the garden account and filed an application with the IRS. On June 24th, that application was approved.

The official name of the first city-sponsored community garden in Dallas is Dallas Is Gardening, Inc., which is appropriately shortened to DIG.

This new non-profit status allows for the garden to become involved in additional endeavors, like education.

"We chose DIG so that we could get involved in other things," says Lane, "like helping more gardens get started."

Lake Highlands Community Garden remains the group's assumed name, as it's been commonly referred to since the garden's inception in April of 2008.

Also important to remember?

Now as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the garden can begin accepting direct donations, much like giving money to a church.

"I think it’s good for people to know that if they give the money to the Community Garden, they get a tax deduction for it," says Lane.

"Now that our application is approved, the garden is ready and able to receive donations!"

"Additionally, our volunteers can now investigate - and apply to - foundations and private enterprises that offer grants."

Lane is pleased the process is complete.

"Perhaps some organizations will think differently about us, and we can build on our success, helping the garden continue to be one of the highlights of Lake Highlands."

For more information about DIG, Inc., aka the Lake Highlands Community Garden, to get on the waiting list for a plot, or to make a contribution, please visit http://www.lhgarden.org.