The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation is a new public ancillary fund that financially separates the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens from City of Ballarat. 

Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation chair Elizabeth Gilfillan said the new fund would provide opportunity to grow the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens' community engagement and ability to advance the natural environment in the gardens. 

"My vision is the gardens continues going from strength to strength and for the community to have close contact and involvement with the gardens for health benefits, for environmental benefits and training our horticulturists of the future - none of that can be undervalued or underrated," she said.

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation will provide funding support for two major projects this year - the fernery redevelopment and historic gatekeepers cottage refurbishment. 

Funds will also support education programs, workshops and events.  

The popularity of the Friends' BotaniKIDS program shows the ability to connect with a diverse range of community and engage young children in environmental education, while harnessing a growing community interest in gardening and nature. 

"Social networks have changed and we have a much more diverse community and it is now about connecting with a broader range of people in the community in different ways than we used to," Ms Gilfillan said. 

More than 90 people are expected to celebrate the launch of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation at Pipers by the Lake on Tuesday night. 

Hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors enjoy the Ballarat Botanical Gardens each year. The Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens was founded in 1982 and was incorporated in 1993. 

Visit ballaratbotanicalgardensfoundation.com.au for more or to donate. 

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