One of the most frequent questions I hear is “how do I get grant money for my garden?” The answer is not simple. But, here are a few hints to help you be ready when the perfect grant application comes your way:
Keep Records
Does your garden donate produce to a food bank? If so, do you keep records of how much food is donated?
Do you host community events? What about story time for students in the summer? How many students attend?
These events could matter with certain grants. So, keep records of dates and numbers of attendees. This task be a great job for a garden manager or designated volunteer.
Take Photos
Many grant applications open in the winter months when your garden is probably not looking its best. Take photos of your garden during the spring and summer months. Many grantors want to see your space and pictures may be required for the grant application.
Think Local
When looking for grant monies, think local first. Your local hardware or landscape store may be willing to donate materials without a grant application. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are often looking for projects for their Eagle Scout and Gold Awards. Boy Scouts especially enjoy building projects like benches and garden beds.
Also, your local high school’s National Honor Society and Beta Club may require their members to do community service. They may be able to assist with a few of your garden chores.
Find Out About Large Company Grants
Large companies like Walmart and Home Depot have grant programs. Walmart’s Community Grant Program is an annual program. Home Depot’s Community Impact Grant application process is open now.
Keep In Touch with Your Local UGA Extension Office
UGA Extension agents would be contacted if there was a garden grant specifically for your county. By keeping in touch with your Extension office, you would be informed about any of these opportunites.
Happy Gardening!
Becky is a Georgia Certified Beekeeper and works with community and school gardeners to increase beneficial insect habitat.She is the coordinator of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, happening this year on August 19th and 20th, 2022.She is also part of UGA's Native Plants and Beneficial Insect Working Group.
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Great information! Keep those gardens growing.
Becky is a great resource for ALL gardening topics! GA Extension Service is lucky to have her!
Thank you Betty! You are too kind.