Best Community and School Garden Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee agricultural producers operating farms in the state can apply for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program to receive cost-share support for long-term farm investments and improvements. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, this program offers up to US $12,000, which may benefit producers expanding horticulture, gardening, or school and community garden-related production.

Schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus school gardens or classroom cooking programs in Tennessee communities with a Sprouts Farmers Market can apply for the Sprouting School Gardens Grant, awarding up to US $5,000. Focused on horticulture and gardening, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation supports program operations, supplies, and educator stipends.

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 with organic community or school gardens that feed low-income communities in Tennessee can receive support for urban agriculture projects. Nature's Path Organic provides US $3,000 grants to registered nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada operating organic gardens that avoid toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMOs, with priority for underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee working on economic development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible for matching donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Gifts from full-time associates or recent retirees can be doubled, helping support community and school garden efforts that fit these missions.

Tennessee 501(c) and 170(c) organizations focused on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, disabilities, or related causes can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Community and school garden projects that fit these missions and are within the Regions footprint may be eligible.

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.

Tennessee nonprofits, Tribes, and public schools or districts supporting youth food and nutrition programs can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation. Awards up to US $100,000 support community-driven projects in Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, and school food, which may include school and community garden initiatives benefiting kids up to age 18.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities can receive funding to create or enhance public gardens, school and teaching gardens, and other horticulture projects, including in Tennessee. Garden Club of Houston provides support for conservation, civic improvement, and educational initiatives, with priority to projects in the greater Houston area but open to U.S. applicants.

Tennessee schools, homeschooling families, and education organizations can receive support for hydroponic classroom gardens that enhance STEM and nutrition education. Rise Gardens provides horticulture and gardening resources to create year-round, hands-on learning experiences that build hard skills, support entrepreneurship projects, and strengthen community through collaborative school and community garden activities.

Horticulture and floriculture students in Tennessee interested in commercial cut flower production can receive scholarship funding for their education. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers supports future growers through the Dave Dowling Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 and a one-year ASCFG membership with benefits to two eligible students each year.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions in Tennessee conducting floriculture or related horticulture and gardening research can seek funding for research and educational projects. Grants from American Floral Endowment help support work in areas like plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, molecular biology, and agricultural economics, including equipment tied to a defined research project.

Tennessee 3rd grade classrooms interested in horticulture and gardening 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. School garden programs and educators may benefit if they want hands-on vegetable gardening experiences for students.

Nonprofit and other tax-exempt organizations planning to turn vacant lots into gardens can seek funding in Tennessee and other U.S. locations. Focused on horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening invites under-resourced community and school garden programs to apply for Lots of Compassion Grants, offering US $20,000 to build gardens that serve at least fifteen participants.

Schools seeking support for horticulture, gardening, and STEAM education in Tennessee can receive in-kind resources to build outdoor learning gardens. Captain Planet Foundation provides a US $7,500 in-kind support package including raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum, supplies, and teacher training; eligible counties include Cannon, Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, and other listed areas.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Tennessee 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 educational industry events, which may include horticulture and gardening programs like community or school garden-related trainings.

Tennessee horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota for community gardens, parks, playgrounds, and other public green spaces. 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S. may apply for up to US $50,000 in combined cash and equipment to advance impactful, community-led projects in their hometowns.

Academic, governmental, industry, and 501(c)(3) researchers working on horticulture and gardening projects in Tennessee can seek funding for one-year or shorter studies that aid specialty cut flower growers. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Research Foundation offers US $30,000 total, encourages collaboration with growers, and welcomes projects that may involve community or school garden contexts.

Organizations in Tennessee and across the U.S. planning new or improved youth garden programs serving at least 15 children can receive gardening supplies and materials through the Youth Garden Grant. With a mission to expand horticulture and gardening education, KidsGardening provides support, prioritizing under-resourced programs where funding would significantly enhance learning opportunities and community 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

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