Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

Arizona schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus garden or cooking programs can receive up to US $5,000 for program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Focused on horticulture and gardening, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation supports school-based nutrition and garden education in communities where Sprouts Farmers Market operates stores, ideally within 10 miles of a location.

Arizona schools seeking horticulture and STEAM education resources can receive in-kind support valued at US $7,500 for garden-based learning. Captain Planet Foundation provides five raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, online garden-focused lessons, materials for project-based activities, teacher training, and summer maintenance strategies to integrate gardens into classroom instruction.

Arizona 3rd grade classes interested in horticulture and gardening can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation’s 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program, which awards US $1,000 in in-kind support to one student winner per participating state. Teachers, parents, and administrators may apply to receive free oversized cabbage plants for their classrooms.

Nonprofit organizations in Arizona working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible for matching donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Garden and horticulture nonprofits that fit these categories and receive gifts from eligible Regions associates can benefit from this employee-driven funding.

Arizona 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per retiree annually, potentially boosting support for projects like community or school gardens.

Arizona Elks Lodges running community service, veterans support, basic needs, or gardening projects can access funding through the Elks National Foundation’s ENF Community Investments Program Beacon Grants. Lodges receive US $4,000 for ongoing, Lodge-led charitable projects, which may include community or school garden initiatives that improve local quality of life.

Arizona horticulture and gardening nonprofits, schools, school districts, and Tribes supporting youth food and nutrition programs can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation. U.S.-based projects in Indigenous food justice or nutrition education and school food, including garden-based learning, may receive up to US $100,000 over two years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on horticulture, gardening, or public green spaces in the U.S., including Arizona, can seek project funding for gardens, parks, and related education. Garden Club of Houston prioritizes community-focused initiatives such as public and school gardens, nature centers, educational events, and conservation-oriented civic improvements.

Arizona schools, homeschooling families, and education organizations can receive hydroponic garden systems to enhance horticulture and gardening education through hands-on STEM and nutrition learning. Rise Gardens provides support with classroom hydroponic gardens that build practical skills, entrepreneurship projects, and community-building opportunities, which may benefit Arizona nonprofits partnering with or operating school garden programs.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees in the U.S. who plan careers in commercial cut flower production can receive scholarship support for their education. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers offers the Dave Dowling Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 plus a one-year ASCFG membership to two eligible students annually, which may benefit Arizona-based students.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions in Arizona conducting floriculture or related horticulture research can access funding through the American Floral Endowment’s Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund. Grants support significant research and educational projects, including equipment tied to a research plan, with results shared publicly and annual renewals considered based on progress reports.

Nonprofit and other tax-exempt organizations planning to turn vacant lots into gardens in Arizona can apply for KidsGardening’s Lots of Compassion Grant. Focused on horticulture and community greening, this program awards US $20,000 to projects serving under-resourced communities with at least fifteen garden participants across the U.S., including Arizona.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Arizona offering retail floral education can apply for American Floral Endowment’s Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund to reduce or waive registration fees for industry events. Funding is awarded through AFE’s annual educational grants process and supports broader horticulture and gardening education for retail florists.

Arizona nonprofit organizations with at least a two-year programming history can apply for the Bisbee Foundation Berry Family Environmental Fund to support environmental and garden-related projects in the Bisbee area. Administered through Arizona Community Foundation, this grant may fund community gardens, landscape enhancements, water harvesting, site contouring, cleanups, and other conservation efforts.

Arizona horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota for garden, park, and public space improvements. 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S. may receive up to US $50,000 combining cash and Kubota equipment to develop community gardens, beautification efforts, playgrounds, and other hometown revitalization projects.

Arizona community groups, nonprofits, schools, and locally owned businesses can fund garden, food, and other sustainability projects within Flagstaff city limits through the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants program. Eligible projects from City of Flagstaff promote community sustainability across categories like food, horticulture and gardening, waste reduction, climate action, public health, transportation, and resilience, with awards up to US $7,500.

Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

In 2020, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (the Association) initiated the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program. Since its inception, the program has supported 131 urban agriculture projects nationwide, promoting public garden participation in collaborations that combine food growing and education while addressing food security challenges facing communities.

Over the program’s six years, we have awarded $2.7 million to 136 projects in 34 states and D.C. These programs have grown and shared over 750,000 pounds of produce, distributed more than 292,000 seedlings, and provided more than 53,000 hours of urban agriculture training to students, interns, and trainees.

2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) are partnering to support public gardens and their partners to facilitate collaborative urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food-growing projects. Applications for a new cycle will open this fall!

The 2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program will comprise a small group of projects seeking to sustain and institutionalize their work. Participants will receive funding to help build their programs.

• Build urban agriculture capacity in public gardens community
• Provide funding ($5,000 to $20,000 per participant/project)
• Share models and lessons learned with the broader community of public gardens

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.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Peter and Huberdina Weller Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from a high school within the greater Community Foundation service area
• Enrolling/enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Intention to pursue educational opportunities and a career in horticulture or the biological sciences with an emphasis on botany
• All other qualifications being equal, tie-breaking consideration will be given to students of color
• Previous recipients of the award are encouraged to reapply.