School Garden Grants - Whole Kids Foundation

Grant Name: School Garden Grants

Funding Organization: Whole Kids Foundation

Grant Cycle: 5 pm, December 31

Contact: Nona Evans

Address: 550 Bowie Street; Austin, TX 78703

 

Website: http://wholekidsfoundation.org/gardengrants.php

Email: whole.kids@wholefoods.com

Eligibility: To be eligible for a garden grant, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or nonprofit K-12 school that is developing or currently maintaining a school garden project that will help children engage with fresh fruits and vegetables. Garden projects may be at any stage of development; planning, construction or operation. For cases in which an applicant facilitates garden projects in more than one school, multiple garden grants may be requested under a single application. In occasional cases, additional funds may be awarded for special projects. In selecting grant recipients, priority will be given to both limited-resource communities and to projects that demonstrate strong buy-in from stakeholders. There is a limit of one garden grant per school. Must have the capacity to manage grant funds responsibly and the skills and experience necessary to undertake a project involving school gardens. Must demonstrate that the garden project has strong participation from stakeholders, including the school principal, volunteers and a community partner. Must demonstrate that thoughtful consideration is being given to the technical challenges of school garden construction and maintenance: soil testing, water availability, tool storage and municipal regulations. Must articulate a compelling plan for integrating the garden into the life of the school and community, including plans to put the garden's produce to good use.

How to Apply: Complete the online application

Application Materials: 

• Tax ID number for the applicant
• PDF of the applicant's IRS Tax Exempt Letter (for uploading)
• Goals for the garden project
• Letter of authorization and support from the school principal on school letterhead
• Participating garden coordinator and volunteers
• School enrollment total, with free and reduced lunch percentages
• Community partner supporting the garden project
• Photo of the garden site
• Information on local, city, state policies related to school gardens
• Plan for the garden harvest
• Understanding of curriculum integration – specify subjects
• Communication plan
• Budget and timeline
• Plan to engage students in the garden
• Plan for sustaining the garden over multiple years

Background: Learning about the process of growing food helps children develop a deep understanding of the connection between healthy eating and a healthy body. School gardens offer an opportunity to integrate math, science and health curriculum into a dynamic, interactive setting. They also provide a base of knowledge that allows children to take an active role in healthy food choices.

Other Important Information: School gardens are a vital educational tool. Every seed planted sprouts a new opportunity for kids to cultivate healthy eating habits. Teaching kids to garden helps them learn about complex topics like sustainability and conservation, food systems and community awareness. Not to mention an appreciation for food from seed to plate.