At Whole Kids Foundation® opens in a new tab we believe that something as small as a seed can ignite a child’s curiosity for fresh food for a lifetime. This is the power of school gardens!
To date, we have granted $6 million to more than 3,000 educational edible gardens across the United States and Canada…and that number continues to grow!
If you’re involved in a school or non-profit organization that supports children in grades K-12 and would like funds for a brand new garden or the continuation of an already existing one, Whole Kids Foundation welcomes you to apply for a 2016 School Garden Grant opens in a new tab or Extended Learning Garden Grant opens in a new tab.
The online applications are available in the United States from September 1st-October 31st and in Canada from September 1st-November 15th.
Grant details are available on our School Garden Grant page opens in a new tab or Extended Learning Garden Grant opens in a new tab page (for non-profit organizations). You can get started with a copy of the application, tools to support you including grant writing tips opens in a new tab a School Garden Resource Center opens in a new tab that helps you navigate the ins and outs of championing and maintaining a school (or non-profit’s) edible garden.
We support all types of gardens from brand new to years old, from urban vertical gardens to rural gardens that more closely resemble a farm. In addition to our eligibility requirements these are some of the main factors we look for in grant applicants.
A thought out vision and plan for the garden to connect children to fresh, healthy food. Lessons on how to prepare these foods are an additional benefit.
The support of your leadership, including principal or executive director
A plan for maintaining your garden, with volunteers and through ongoing funding.
ntegration into the children’s curriculum or learning plan, as well as integration with their community of parents, teachers and neighbors.
At least one main “garden champion”, or a group of champions who coordinate the garden. A garden champion should have gardening experience or a plan to gain these skills.
Involvement of at least one main community partner, such as : a local business, organization or gardening group that supports your school garden in some fashion, such as with in-kind donations, garden expertise, or volunteers.
Grant applications are reviewed through a partnership with FoodCorps opens in a new tab. They implement these types of educational gardens and understand what it takes to keep them growing! We will then make selections and notify all applicants in February.
We look forward to supporting your efforts to grow healthy kids! For any questions at all, email gardens@wholekidsfoundation.org opens in a new tab.
To receive updates on this program and our other programs, sign up for our newsletter opens in a new tab or follow us on Facebook opens in a new tab or Twitter opens in a new tab.
Here’s to growing healthy kids who love fresh food!
