OTF President Mark Jordan (left) presents a check in the amount of $154,000 to Dr. Bobby Moser, Dean, The Ohio State University College of Agriculture. The check represents OTF’s 2007 donations for research, extension and student scholarships.

The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation has a long history of donating much of the proceeds from its Membership Dues, Annual Golf Tournament, Auctions, and annual conference and trade show to support turfgrass research conducted at The Ohio State University.

In its 46 year history, OTF has donated nearly $3.5 million to turfgrass research and over $450,000 in student scholarships. Additionally, in 1996, OTF built and donated a state-of-the-art turfgrass research facility to The Ohio State University. Each year, OTF supports the operations of the research facility by donating funds to the OSU Department of Horticulture & Crop Science.

In 1999, OTF formed the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT), a 501(c)3 charitable foundation, to ensure the continued support for turfgrass research and education. By utilizing OTRT’s tax-exempt status, OTRT is able to maximize funds available for turfgrass research and scholarships.

In 2001, OTRT formed a new committee – the Research Review Advisory Committee (RRAC). The RRAC, comprised of industry professionals and OSU turfgrass researchers, was established to serve as the principal advisory group for the OTRT Board of Directors.

Working in conjunction with the 11 faculty and extension agents from the OSU Turfgrass Science Team, the RRAC ensures that turfgrass funding is utilized in the best interest of Ohio’s turfgrass industry.