Finding Grant Money for Your Garden

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.

Finding Grant Money for Your Garden
This photo of story time in the Healthy Life Community Garden in Griffin is a great example of a photo to keep in your garden archives.

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 Griffin
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