Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

Virginia schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus garden or cooking programs can access funding through the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation to support horticulture and gardening education. Grants up to US $5,000 fund school-garden operations, program supplies, and educator stipends in communities near Sprouts Farmers Market stores.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia operating or planning urban organic agriculture projects that feed low-income communities can receive US $3,000 to support their community gardens. With a mission to support organic community gardens, Nature's Path Organic provides funding for gardens managed without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs, including those founded by and serving underserved communities.

Virginia 501(c) and 170(c) organizations working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit when Regions Bank associates request matching gifts. Focused on strengthening communities, Regions Bank invites eligible nonprofits in its footprint to receive doubled donations through this employee giving program.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Virginia that receive donations from eligible recent Regions retirees can access matching funds supporting community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, disabilities, and food security. With a mission to strengthen communities, Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per retiree annually to match qualifying monetary gifts.

Virginia Elks Lodges planning ongoing, Lodge-led community service projects such as basic needs support, gardening initiatives, or services for veterans can apply for Beacon Grants. Focused on local, benevolent programs, Elks National Foundation offers US $4,000 per Lodge to strengthen communities through sustained, hands-on engagement.

Nonprofits, Tribes, and public schools or districts in Virginia working on youth food and nutrition through gardening and related projects can seek funding for Indigenous food justice and school-based nutrition education. Newmans Own Foundation, via the Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation, offers up to US $100,000 for programs that support kids’ healthy eating and engagement with culturally relevant foods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Virginia seeking support for horticulture and gardening projects may be eligible for funding to create or preserve public gardens, school gardens, parks, arboreta, and nature centers. The Garden Club of Houston prioritizes community-focused conservation, civic improvement, and educational initiatives, with a national scope including Virginia.

Schools, homeschooling families, and education organizations in Virginia can receive support to install hydroponic classroom gardens that enhance STEM and nutrition education. Rise Gardens supports horticulture and gardening projects that integrate NGSS-aligned, hands-on science, entrepreneurship activities, and community-building experiences, which may benefit garden-focused programs run by local nonprofits and education partners.

Horticulture and floriculture students in Virginia planning careers in commercial cut flower production can receive US $1,000 scholarships plus a one-year membership through the Dave Dowling Scholarship. Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers supports students at two- or four-year and graduate programs who have at least one year of study remaining.

Virginia universities, colleges, and federal research institutions conducting floriculture and related horticulture research can access funding through the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund, administered by American Floral Endowment. Grants support important research and educational projects in floriculture and allied fields like plant pathology, molecular biology, entomology, and agricultural economics, with potential annual renewal.

Virginia 3rd grade classrooms interested in horticulture and gardening can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation’s 3rd Grade Cabbage Program, which awards US $1,000 in in-kind support to one student winner per participating state. Teachers, parents, and school administrators may apply to bring this youth gardening experience to their students.

With a mission to support horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening provides Virginia nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations with funding to turn vacant lots into community gardens. Eligible U.S. and territory-based 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups serving under-resourced communities can receive US $20,000 to build gardens engaging at least fifteen participants.

Schools seeking garden-based STEAM education resources in Virginia can receive in-kind support to create outdoor learning laboratories and integrate horticulture into the curriculum. Captain Planet Foundation’s Cox Enterprises Project Learning Garden package, valued at US $7,500 in in-kind support, includes raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, lessons, materials, and online teacher training.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations offering retail floral education can seek funding to reduce or waive registration fees for educational events. Grants from American Floral Endowment help Virginia horticulture and gardening groups, and other U.S. floriculture nonprofits, expand access to industry events through the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund’s annual awards process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia with local horticulture, gardening, or community improvement projects can apply for Kubota’s Hometown Proud Grant Program; awards up to US $50,000 in cash and equipment. Ten U.S. nonprofits receive support for projects like gardens, parks, public spaces, and other community-led revitalization efforts.

Academic, governmental, industry, and 501(c)(3) researchers conducting horticulture and plant science projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers in Virginia can apply for competitive funding; awards total US $30,000. With a mission to advance research for cut flower production, Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers provides one-year grants that may be part of multi-year projects.

Virginia nonprofits and other organizations running youth garden programs can receive gardening supplies from KidsGardening to start or improve educational gardens. Focused on horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening invites U.S. and territory-based programs serving at least 15 youth ages 0–18, especially in under-resourced communities, to apply for support valued at US $500 in materials.

The Schilling Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides six $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from select schools. Renewable for up to three years, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in 12 credit hours, and major in Agriculture. An essay submission is required, and applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees in various Agriculture fields.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Harry Emley and Mary Joslin Bennett Scholarship

Selection based upon:

• Academic achievement, financial need, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $500 scholarship

The Fisher Family Lost Acres Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students pursuing agriculture, horticulture, or related majors. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students planning to enroll in accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may affect other financial aid. Students are encouraged to check with college financial aid offices for guidance on potential implications.

The Diana and Leon Feffer Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduates attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Students can receive up to $3,000, which may affect financial aid. Scholarships can cover tuition and other educational costs, and recipients should confirm tax implications with their colleges or tax advisors.

About

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Garden Grants

Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Robert Woolley Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Stanislaus County attending a four-year university to study horticulture.

Award Amount:

• $10,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Bob Boggeri Farms Fund

Open to students planning to pursue a degree in Ag or Horticulture. Must be a FFA member and demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students from Hughson.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, established in 2001, supports students from Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, or Allegan County pursuing careers in horticulture or the green industry. Administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need and academic achievement. Applicants, including high school seniors and college students, must submit transcripts and additional required documents. This scholarship aims to foster education and partnerships within West Michigan's green industry.