School gardening projects result in healthy food.
Growing a school garden offers students academic benefits, physical exercise and the opportunity to eat and share healthy food. Research suggests that children who garden as part of a school project develop better eating habits and greater appreciation for fruits and vegetables. Grants for school garden projects help offset costs of soil, plants, materials and tools to establish and maintain a garden.
National Education Association
The National Education Association began a partnership with Target in April 2010 to award grants to educators offering creative activities in green living and environmentalism. Proposed activities may include starting a school garden, as long as the project involves educational activities including hands-on gardening and environmental conservation. Applicants must pre-certify as a practicing teacher or education support professional currently employed at an accredited school located in the United States.
National Retailers
Several national retail stores, such as Lowe's and Home Depot, offer grant opportunities to schools and educational professionals. Kids Gardening lists several additional retailer sponsored grant opportunities awarded by the National Gardening Association. Application for grant funds requires submitting a proposal with details on the project, the expected benefits and a project budget.
Local Organizations
Within your community, local organizations may offer funding through small grants for projects dedicated to beautification and the environment or to helping people in need. Finding local opportunities for funding school garden projects requires research and talking with organizations. Begin searching for local organizations that offer grants to schools for garden projects at the Chamber of Commerce, city hall, county agricultural extension programs, utility service providers or fraternal organizations. Parents of students may know of grant opportunities offered by their employers.
Reviewing Opportunities
Before writing a project proposal, carefully review the qualifications or eligibility requirements listed by the grantor. For example, in searching government grants for gardening, an individual school's eligibility ties to the state education agency for some grants. Foundation grants often require certification as a 501(c)(3) or nonprofit organization. When applying for a garden project grant from a local organization, personal contact often yields valuable information on the organization's priorities or desired approach to training or services.
Tags: school garden, garden projects, grant opportunities, Education Association, healthy food, local organizations, National Education