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Our Programs

Comprehensive support for community gardens at every stage of development

Seed Grant Program

Our flagship funding initiative provides financial support to help communities establish new gardens or expand existing ones. Since 2001, we've awarded over $50 million in grants to community gardens nationwide.

Grant Types:

  • Starter Grants: Up to $2,500 for new gardens in planning stages
  • Growth Grants: Up to $5,000 for expanding existing gardens
  • Infrastructure Grants: Up to $10,000 for major improvements
  • Emergency Grants: Up to $1,500 for urgent needs
Apply for a Grant
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Garden Certification Program

Recognize your garden's commitment to sustainability and community impact with our nationally recognized three-tier certification system.

Certification Levels:

Bronze - Sprouting Garden

Meet basic standards for community engagement and sustainable practices.

Silver - Growing Garden

Demonstrate excellence in education, food donation, and environmental stewardship.

Gold - Flourishing Garden

Achieve highest standards across all criteria with demonstrated community impact.

Get Certified

Master Gardener Training

Comprehensive education programs to develop skilled garden leaders and educators

Fundamentals Course

8-week online course covering soil science, plant biology, pest management, and garden planning basics.

Next Session: January 15, 2025

Leadership Workshop

2-day intensive workshop on community organizing, volunteer management, and garden governance.

Offered quarterly in-person

Regional Intensives

Climate-specific training programs tailored to your region's unique growing conditions and challenges.

6 regions nationwide

View All Courses

Youth Growing Leaders

Our award-winning youth program engages the next generation of gardeners through hands-on education, leadership development, and career exploration in agriculture and environmental science.

Program Components:

  • School Garden Curriculum: K-12 lesson plans aligned with science standards
  • Summer Internships: Paid positions for teens at community gardens
  • Junior Master Gardener: Youth certification program ages 8-18
  • College Scholarships: Awards for students pursuing agriculture studies

"The Youth Growing Leaders program changed my life. I discovered my passion for sustainable agriculture and am now studying environmental science in college."

- Maya Johnson, Program Alumna

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Additional Initiatives

Food Rescue Network

Connecting community gardens with food banks and emergency food programs to distribute surplus harvests to those in need.

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Pollinator Protection

Resources and certification for gardens that create habitat for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

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Accessible Gardens Initiative

Supporting the development of gardens designed for people with disabilities through adaptive tools and design guidance.

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Climate Resilience Project

Helping gardens adapt to changing climate conditions through drought-resistant varieties and water conservation practices.

Learn More

Ready to Get Started?

Our team is here to help you find the right program for your community garden's needs.

Contact Us Become a Member