Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include: protecting our food supply; protecting our natural resources; and, cultivating our agricultural economy.

Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Works Grant Program

MDA is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations, units of governments, and most colleges and universities for the Fiscal Year 2027 for Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Works Grant Program. The Minnesota Legislature established the AGRI Works to provide regional and statewide development, education, research, and marketing services that promote agriculture, horticulture, and rural communities. Projects must provide regional or statewide services. Project examples include but are not limited to:

• Performing research on topics relevant to rural communities across the state.
• Conducting outreach or providing education to farmers or horticultural growers.
• We will give priority to projects not eligible for other grants from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Minnesota nonprofits, producer groups, and other organizations working with horticulture and specialty crops in Minnesota can seek funding to boost the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops. Grants from Minnesota Department of Agriculture help Minnesota horticulture and gardening projects expand markets for fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, and eligible processed products, with awards from US $25,000 - US $125,000.

Minnesota nonprofit organizations operating organic community gardens that feed low-income or underserved residents can receive US $3,000 to support urban agriculture projects. Nature's Path Organic provides funding for gardens managed without synthetic chemicals or GMOs that supply food to soup kitchens, food banks, school feeding programs, shelters, and similar initiatives across the U.S. and Canada.

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.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Garden Club of Houston, established in 1924, promotes gardening and environmental conservation through various community initiatives. Their funding supports nonprofit organizations and government entities, focusing on projects that enhance public landscapes, educational resources, and community gardens. Grants are not awarded for operating funds or endowments, with preference given to projects within the greater Houston area. This commitment to civic improvement underscores their mission to foster a love of gardening and environmental stewardship.

Schools and education organizations in Minnesota can use this grant to create hydroponic classroom gardens that support horticulture and gardening education. Rise Gardens provides STEM- and NGSS-aligned systems and lessons that boost hands-on science, nutrition learning, entrepreneurship projects, and community-building, which may benefit nonprofits partnering with or operating school garden programs.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees in the U.S., including those in Minnesota, can receive US $1,000 scholarships to advance careers in commercial cut flower production. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers also provides a one-year membership, supporting education, research, and community for future cut flower growers.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions in Minnesota conducting floriculture or related horticulture research can seek funding for significant research and educational projects. Grants from American Floral Endowment help U.S. institutions support work in areas like plant breeding, plant pathology, entomology, molecular biology, and agricultural economics, including equipment tied to approved research projects.

Minnesota school garden and youth education programs can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program, which supports horticulture and gardening projects in 3rd grade classrooms. Eligible 3rd grade teachers, parents, and administrators receive free cabbage plants and can compete for US $1,000 in in-kind support for a student winner in each state.

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

Schools in Minnesota seeking horticulture and gardening resources can access funding through grants from Captain Planet Foundation’s Delta Project Learning Garden Program. Eligible schools in select counties receive an in-kind package valued at US $7,500 in raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum, supplies, teacher training, and volunteer support to enhance STEAM and garden-based learning.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Minnesota offering retail floral education can apply for the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund from American Floral Endowment. Funding supports reduced or free registration fees for retail florists to attend floral industry educational events, helping expand access to horticulture and gardening training opportunities.

Minnesota 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. This nationwide program backs community development, gardens, parks, and public spaces, with 10 U.S. 501(c)(3) winners receiving funding plus partnership from a local Kubota dealer.

Academic, governmental, industry, and 501(c)(3) researchers working on horticulture and gardening projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers in Minnesota can seek funding for one-year research through the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. The ASCFG Research Foundation offers competitive grants totaling US $30,000 and encourages collaboration with growers and presentation of results at ASCFG events.

Minnesota organizations planning new or expanded youth garden programs serving at least 15 children can receive garden supplies through KidsGardening’s Youth Garden Grant. With a mission to support horticulture and gardening education, KidsGardening provides U.S. programs with tools, seeds, and curriculum, prioritizing under-resourced communities and projects with strong educational impact. Awards are valued at US $500.

NGC-member garden clubs in the U.S., including Minnesota, can apply for National Garden Clubs’ Ames Tools Grant, receiving up to US $250 in in-kind garden tools for community gardens or garden therapy projects. Eligible projects run March 1–September 30, 2026 and may involve partnerships with other local organizations.

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.