Best Community and School Garden Grants in Rhode Island

Grassroots community groups in Rhode Island launching new local environmental or gardening projects can apply for New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Seed grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000 for early-stage work. Volunteer-driven groups with small budgets, including those without formal nonprofit status, may be eligible for community and school garden efforts.

Nonprofit organizations running organic community or school gardens that feed low-income communities in Rhode Island can access funding through Nature's Path Organic, with awards of US $3,000. Eligible projects must be urban, managed organically without synthetic inputs or GMOs, and focused on providing fresh food to underserved or underrepresented communities.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening programs can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Prizes for Innovation to support youth food and nutrition initiatives. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribes, schools, and school districts may receive up to US $100,000 for Indigenous food justice or nutrition education and school food projects benefiting kids.

501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on horticulture, gardening, and public green spaces in Rhode Island and beyond can access funding through Garden Club of Houston for civic and community projects. Priority goes to the greater Houston area, but eligible groups elsewhere may receive support for gardens, parks, nature centers, and related educational efforts.

Schools and education organizations in Rhode Island seeking hydroponic classroom gardens for STEM and nutrition education can apply for the Rise for Education Grant Program. Rise Gardens provides horticulture and gardening support with systems and lessons that integrate STEM/STEAM, entrepreneurship, and community-building into year-round, hands-on learning experiences.

Students in horticulture or floriculture programs interested in commercial cut flower production can receive US $1,000 scholarships for education from the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers; awards include a one-year ASCFG membership. Rhode Island students pursuing community or school garden-related studies within these fields may be eligible if they meet the degree and credit requirements.

Universities, colleges, and federal research institutions conducting floriculture and horticulture research in Rhode Island and across the U.S. can seek project-based funding for research and educational initiatives. Grants from American Floral Endowment help support studies in areas like plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, and related fields that advance floriculture knowledge and practice.

Rhode Island 3rd grade classes interested in horticulture and gardening can receive free oversized cabbage plants and compete for US $1,000 in in-kind support. Community and school garden programs may benefit, as teachers, parents, and administrators across the 48 contiguous states are eligible to enroll their classrooms in the Bonnie Plants Foundation program.

Focused on horticulture and gardening, KidsGardening invites Rhode Island community and school garden organizers to apply for the Lots of Compassion Grant. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations, or groups with a fiscal sponsor, can receive US $20,000 to transform vacant lots into gardens serving under-resourced communities.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations offering retail floral education, including those serving Rhode Island, can apply for American Floral Endowment’s Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund. Funding supports reduced or free registration fees for retail florists to attend educational industry events, with awards administered annually through AFE’s Educational Grants application process each July.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota for community development, gardens, parks, and public spaces. This national program awards up to US $50,000 per 501(c)(3), combining cash and Kubota equipment to help bring hometown greening and beautification projects to life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, universities, governmental agencies, and industry researchers conducting horticulture and plant science research in Rhode Island can seek funding for one-year projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Research Foundation offers competitive U.S. grants totaling US $30,000, with any research topic considered and collaboration with growers encouraged.

Organizations in Rhode Island planning new or expanded youth garden programs serving at least 15 children can receive US $500 in gardening supplies and educational materials. With a mission to improve kids’ lives through gardening, KidsGardening provides U.S. school and community programs with tools, seeds, and specialty awards, prioritizing under-resourced, high-impact projects.

NGC-member garden clubs in the U.S., including those running community or school gardens in Rhode Island, can apply for National Garden Clubs’ Ames Tools Grant; awards up to US $250 in in-kind support for horticulture and gardening projects. Eligible projects run March 1–September 30, 2026 and may involve partner organizations.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening clubs that are members of National Garden Clubs can receive up to US $2,000 for community and school gardens, beautification, and environmental projects. National Garden Clubs provides funding for public landscaping, restoration, educational gardening programs, and other community-focused horticulture initiatives; prior Plant America Community Project Grant recipients are not eligible.

Local or state garden clubs in Rhode Island can seek funding to restore community or school gardens and other public garden spaces damaged by natural disasters. National Garden Clubs supports horticulture and gardening projects across the U.S., offering up to US $5,000 for replanting, restoration, and beautification efforts.

Rhode Island Elks Lodges developing ongoing, Lodge-led community service projects can access funding through Elks National Foundation’s Beacon Grants. Awards of US $4,000 support initiatives such as basic human needs, services for veterans, poverty alleviation, and horticulture or gardening projects, which may include community or school garden efforts.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening students planning to major in agriculture-related fields can apply for the Schilling Scholarship, which offers US $3,000 and is renewable for up to three additional years. Funded by Community Foundation of the Ozarks, this support may benefit future leaders in agricultural education and community or school garden initiatives.

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.