Best Community and School Garden Grants in Massachusetts

Massachusetts K–12 schools, districts, and licensed early education programs in NSLP or CACFP can seek $3,000 - $40,000 to build or expand food literacy and farm-to-school initiatives, including gardens and indoor growing spaces. Focused on local food system education, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invites horticulture and gardening programs to strengthen school and early education meal programs.

National School Lunch Program and CACFP sponsors in Massachusetts that are MA FRESH CORP affiliates can seek up to US $50,000 to sustain farm to school and food literacy staffing and partnerships. With a mission to support education and student health, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education funds local food system education integrated into classroom, cafeteria, and community, including garden-based learning and related professional development.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

The Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to conserve the Commonwealth’s abundant marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them, for the benefit and enjoyment of all people.

Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants

About the Opportunity

The Community Biodiversity Grants program supports local efforts to protect and restore biodiversity everywhere.

The Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals establish an ambitious, whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain our health and well-being, food security, economy, and way of life. The plan sets four key goals—Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect—each with specific strategies for action for 2030, 2040, and 2050. 

The Community Biodiversity Grants program seeks proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the Biodiversity Goals. The program will award grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to support biodiversity conservation and bring nature to every neighborhood.