Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Small, volunteer-led community groups in Massachusetts starting new local environmental or gardening projects can apply for New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Seed Grant, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for early-stage work. Eligible groups must operate at the grassroots level in New England and only need a bank account, not formal tax-exempt status.

Licensed early education programs and school districts in Massachusetts running NSLP or CACFP meal programs can apply for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s MA FRESH grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $40,000 for food literacy and local food system initiatives. Funding can support school gardens, indoor growing spaces, curriculum, field trips, and related staff or partnerships.

Massachusetts nonprofits and community groups working on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, or community greening can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $150,000 to support on-the-ground projects. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Community Biodiversity Grants can help horticulture and gardening initiatives that protect, restore, sustain, and connect nature across the state.

Massachusetts schools and community centers seeking support for educational orchards and gardens can apply for funding via United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. ReTreeUS establishes school and community orchards, provides ongoing maintenance support, and offers K–12 curriculum resources to engage youth in horticulture, botany, biology, and environmental stewardship.

Massachusetts horticulture and gardening organizations focused on commercial urban farming can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to expand food production and distribution in urban areas. Grants support long-term capital investments such as land acquisition, soil management, green infrastructure, equipment, innovative growing technologies, and community urban farming projects that increase access to fresh, local produce for low- to moderate-income residents.

National School Lunch Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsors in Massachusetts with existing MA FRESH CORP farm to school staff or partners can seek up to US $50,000 to sustain food literacy and local food system education. With a mission to support public education, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides funding for personnel, contracted services, and professional development tied to classroom, cafeteria, and community garden-based programming.

Early-career scientists with a PhD conducting independent plant science research in Massachusetts can apply for fellowships supporting basic and applied studies using the Arnold Arboretum’s living woody plant collections and research facilities, with awards up to US $83,000. Nonprofits hosting or partnering with such researchers on horticulture and gardening projects may benefit from this opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with organic community gardens that feed low-income or underserved communities can receive US $3,000 to support their urban agriculture projects. Nature's Path Organic provides these Gardens for Good awards to registered nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada that manage gardens without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts 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 donations from full-time Regions associates. This Regions Bank program can strengthen community, education, and food security initiatives within the bank’s service footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working in areas like community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services in Massachusetts can benefit from Regions Bank’s matching gifts for recent retirees, with awards up to US $1,000. Donations must come from eligible recent retirees and meet the program’s mission-focused criteria.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions in Massachusetts conducting floriculture or related horticulture research can access funding through the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund from American Floral Endowment. Grants support significant research and educational projects, including related fields like plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural economics, with annual awards eligible for renewal based on progress.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees who plan careers in commercial cut flower production can receive US $1,000 scholarships for education, including those studying in Massachusetts. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers awards two annual Dave Dowling Scholarships, which also include a one-year ASCFG membership and related professional benefits.

Schools and education organizations in Massachusetts can receive hydroponic classroom gardens to enhance horticulture and gardening-based STEM education. Rise Gardens provides support for integrating NGSS-aligned, hands-on gardening projects that build practical skills, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, which may benefit nonprofits partnering with or operating school and youth garden programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities can seek funding for horticulture, gardening, and public green space projects through Garden Club of Houston’s Community Contributions program. Although priority goes to the greater Houston area, Massachusetts groups working on gardens, parks, arboreta, nature centers, or related educational efforts may be considered.

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 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.

Massachusetts 3rd grade classes 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. Teachers, parents, and administrators may apply to bring this youth gardening experience to their students.

Nonprofit and other tax-exempt organizations planning to turn vacant lots into gardens can apply for KidsGardening’s Lots of Compassion Grant, including projects in Massachusetts. Focused on horticulture and gardening, this program awards US $20,000 to 10 grantees to build community gardens in under-resourced neighborhoods serving at least fifteen participants.

Public and private schools seeking garden-based STEAM education resources in Massachusetts can receive US $7,500 in in-kind support for outdoor learning. Grants from Captain Planet Foundation help Massachusetts horticulture and gardening programs install raised beds, access curriculum, obtain a mobile cooking cart, and provide teacher training, materials, and volunteer support for sustainable school gardens.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Massachusetts offering retail floral education can apply for the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund to support reduced or free registration to floral industry events. Administered annually through American Floral Endowment’s educational grants process, this fund backs wide-reaching programs that attract and educate current and future retail florists.

The Kubota Hometown Proud Grant is a community initiative that will award ten $50,000 grants in 2025, comprising $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in equipment vouchers. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for projects that enhance their communities, with applications opening April 3 and closing May 9, 2025. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2025, supporting impactful local initiatives across Kubota's operating districts.

The ASCFG Research Foundation Grant, offered by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, aims to support innovative research projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers. The program, open to academia, government, and industry researchers, will distribute up to $30,000 in grants in 2026. Proposed research should last one year or less and can include multi-year projects. Recipients are expected to present their findings at ASCFG meetings, fostering collaboration and advancement in the cut flower industry.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The Mission Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Trust Grant supports community-based organizations in the Mission Hill and Fenway areas. It provides funding for projects that enhance the quality of life, focusing on arts, education, youth sports, senior activities, community gardens, affordable housing, and social services. Eligible applicants include non-profits and civic groups dedicated to these initiatives, fostering community development and engagement.

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