Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

Kentucky female college students majoring in environmentally related fields can access funding through the Community Foundation of Louisville to help cover expenses at eligible in-state public universities. The Thaddeus Colson & Isabelle Fitzpatrick Memorial Scholarship awards US $5,000 to full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA, including those in horticulture and gardening programs.

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.

Students majoring in horticulture or related fields in Kentucky and nearby states can receive scholarships supporting their education and research. Garden Club of America’s Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture provide awards up to US $3,500 for rising college sophomores through master’s candidates who meet enrollment, residency, and GPA requirements.

Nonprofit organizations in Kentucky with urban organic agriculture projects that feed low-income communities can receive US $3,000 to support community gardens. Nature's Path Organic provides funding for gardens managed without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs, with a strong welcome for projects founded by and serving underserved or underrepresented communities.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Kentucky working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible for matching gifts that double tax-deductible donations. Funding comes through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program when full-time associates or recent retirees contribute to your organization.

Kentucky 501(c) and 170(c) organizations focused on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, disabilities, or related priorities can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible nonprofits within the Regions footprint, including those running garden or horticulture projects tied to these missions, may benefit from up to US $1,000 per retiree annually.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Kentucky Elks Lodges developing ongoing, Lodge-led community service projects can access funding through the Elks National Foundation’s Beacon Grants. Awards of US $4,000 support efforts like basic human needs, poverty services, and veterans programs, and may also benefit Lodges running horticulture and gardening or community garden initiatives.

Kentucky nonprofits, Tribes, public schools, and school districts supporting youth food and nutrition programs can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Prizes for Innovation. Awards up to US $100,000 support Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, and school food projects, which may include garden-based learning and culturally relevant, healthy eating initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on horticulture and gardening projects in Kentucky may be eligible for funding to create or preserve public gardens, school gardens, and other green spaces. Garden Club of Houston prioritizes projects in conservation, civic improvement, and education, including landscapes, arboreta, nature centers, and related educational efforts.

Schools and education organizations in Kentucky can use this program to install hydroponic classroom gardens that support STEM, STEAM, and nutrition education. Rise Gardens provides systems and curriculum to build hands-on science, entrepreneurship, and community-building projects, which may benefit nonprofits partnering with schools on horticulture and gardening initiatives.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees who plan careers in commercial cut flower production, including those studying in Kentucky, can apply for Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers’ Dave Dowling Scholarship. Awards of US $1,000 plus a one-year ASCFG membership support education that may benefit future garden and horticulture-focused nonprofit work.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions in Kentucky conducting floriculture or related agricultural research can access funding through the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund, administered by American Floral Endowment. Grants support research and educational projects in areas like horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, molecular biology, and agricultural economics, with potential annual renewals.

Kentucky 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 state. Teachers, parents, and administrators may enroll eligible classes to engage youth in hands-on vegetable gardening projects.

Focused on horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening invites Kentucky nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations to apply for Lots of Compassion grants to turn vacant lots into community gardens. Eligible U.S. organizations serving under-resourced communities can receive US $20,000 to build a garden engaging at least fifteen participants, including those in U.S. territories.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Kentucky offering retail floral education can apply for the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund, which supports reduced or free registration to floral industry events. Administered annually by the American Floral Endowment Education Committee, this fund helps expand access to horticulture and gardening education opportunities for retail florists.

Kentucky 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 in combined cash and equipment to support community development, beautification, playgrounds, and other hometown revitalization efforts.

Academic, governmental, industry, and 501(c)(3) researchers in horticulture and plant science serving Kentucky can seek funding for one-year specialty cut flower research projects; awards total US $30,000. Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers supports work that benefits specialty cut flower growers, with collaboration with growers and matching funds encouraged but not required.

Nonprofits, schools, and other organizations running youth garden programs in Kentucky can receive US $500 plus gardening supplies to start or improve educational gardens. With a mission to support youth horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening provides U.S. programs serving at least 15 children with resources, prioritizing under-resourced communities and projects with strong educational impact.

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) offers educational grants aimed at enhancing the floriculture industry through innovative programs. With over $3 million funded since its inception, AFE supports initiatives targeting young people and addressing industry challenges. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 annually, encouraging multi-year projects that benefit broad geographical areas. Eligible applicants include community organizations focused on floriculture education within the U.S. AFE prioritizes programs with national scope and significant educational impact.

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