Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

South Carolina schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus garden or classroom cooking programs can receive up to US $5,000 for program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Focused on horticulture and gardening, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation supports campuses located in states and communities served by Sprouts Farmers Market stores.

Nonprofit, producer, industry, and community-based organizations in South Carolina working on horticulture, gardening, or other specialty crop projects can seek funding to enhance the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry. With a mission to strengthen specialty crops, South Carolina Department of Agriculture provides project support for activities that broadly benefit these crops.

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 operating organic community gardens that feed low-income communities in South Carolina can receive US $3,000 to support urban agriculture projects. Nature's Path Organic provides funding for gardens managed without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs. Eligible projects include those serving food banks, shelters, school feeding programs, and similar initiatives across the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in South Carolina working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Garden and horticulture projects that fit these priorities and receive donations from Regions full-time associates or recent retirees may be eligible for matching support.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working in areas like economic and community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services in South Carolina can benefit from Regions Bank’s retiree matching gifts program. Eligible donations from recent Regions retirees may be matched up to US $1,000 per year to strengthen local programs and services.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Beacon Grants offers a unique opportunity for Elks Lodges to initiate and lead charitable projects in their local communities. This program encourages Lodges to develop sustainable initiatives, allowing them to address community needs effectively. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, the Beacon Grants enhance the quality of life for residents, including veterans and families. In 2025-26, all Lodges will have the chance to participate, promoting a culture of giving back.

South Carolina horticulture and gardening nonprofits, schools, school districts, and Tribes supporting youth food and nutrition education 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 may receive up to US $100,000 over two years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities planning horticulture, gardening, or public landscape projects can access funding via Garden Club of Houston. This national grant prioritizes the greater Houston area, but South Carolina groups with eligible projects in conservation, civic improvement, education, or public gardens may be considered.

Schools and education organizations in South Carolina can use this grant to create hydroponic classroom gardens that support STEM, STEAM, and nutrition education. Rise Gardens provides U.S. educational settings with tools for hands-on gardening, NGSS-aligned science and engineering lessons, entrepreneurship projects, and community-building activities that may benefit garden-focused programs.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees in the U.S., including those in South Carolina, can apply for the Dave Dowling Scholarship to support careers in commercial cut flower production. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers awards US $1,000 and a one-year ASCFG membership to two eligible students each year.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions conducting floriculture and horticulture research in South Carolina can access funding through American Floral Endowment’s Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund. Grants support research and educational projects in floriculture and related fields like plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural economics, including equipment when tied to a defined research project.

South Carolina school garden educators working with 3rd grade students can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation’s 3rd Grade Cabbage Program, which provides free cabbage plants and a chance at US $1,000 in in-kind support. Public, private, and homeschool teachers, parents, and administrators may enroll eligible 3rd grade classes in this national horticulture and youth development program.

Focused on horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening invites South Carolina nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations to apply for Lots of Compassion grants. Eligible U.S.-based groups working with under-resourced communities can receive US $20,000 to transform vacant lots into community gardens serving at least fifteen participants, with priority for higher-need, larger-impact projects.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations serving Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina can seek funding for horticulture and gardening projects, including sustainable community and backyard gardens. Focused on community well-being, the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area also supports related health, education, and human services initiatives, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in South Carolina offering retail floral education events can apply for the American Floral Endowment’s Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund. This fund provides grants or scholarships to reduce or waive registration fees for retail florists, supporting horticulture and gardening education through industry conferences, workshops, and similar programs.

South Carolina horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota for up to US $50,000 in combined cash and equipment support. 501(c)(3) organizations planning gardens, parks, playgrounds, or other public green spaces may be selected as one of ten winners nationwide to partner with a local Kubota dealer.

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 Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant, established through a generous donation from Donald Samull, supports elementary classrooms (grades K-6) with at least ten students to create herb gardens. Grants of $500 are awarded annually to enhance curricula with hands-on learning experiences about herbs. Eligible classrooms may use funds for plants and necessary supplies like soil and tools. Applications are reviewed by a committee, ensuring equitable access to these educational resources.

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