Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island with urban organic agriculture projects feeding low-income communities can receive US $3,000 for community garden work through Nature's Path Organic. Eligible gardens must operate organically without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs, and may include school feeding programs, food banks, shelters, and similar initiatives.

Grassroots community groups in Rhode Island launching new or significantly changing local environmental or gardening projects can apply for the New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Seed Grants, awarding US $500 - US $1,000. Volunteer-driven groups with small budgets and broad community representation are especially prioritized, and formal nonprofit or 501(c)(3) status is not required.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening clubs that are members of National Garden Clubs can receive up to US $2,000 for community beautification and gardening projects. National Garden Clubs provides funding for public landscaping, community and school gardens, environmental practices, and horticultural or environmental education events that engage local residents, including joint ventures with other organizations.

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

Nonprofits, schools, and other youth-serving organizations in Rhode Island planning new or improved garden programs for at least 15 children can receive gardening supplies and US $500 to support their projects. With a mission to expand youth gardening, KidsGardening provides U.S. horticulture and gardening programs with seeds, tools, curriculum, and specialty container or vertical garden awards, prioritizing under-resourced communities.

Academic, governmental, industry, and 501(c)(3) researchers working on horticulture and plant science projects that benefit specialty cut flower growers in Rhode Island can apply for this competitive research funding; awards total US $30,000. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Research Foundation supports one-year projects, with results shared at an ASCFG meeting.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening nonprofits with local community projects can access funding through Kubota for garden, park, and public space improvements. This national program awards up to US $50,000 per grantee, combining cash and Kubota equipment to support community development, beautification, playgrounds, and other hometown revitalization efforts led by 501(c)(3) organizations.

Nonprofit floral industry organizations in Rhode Island 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 to floral industry educational events, helping retail florists access training and professional development in horticulture and gardening.

Nonprofit and other tax-exempt organizations planning horticulture and gardening projects in vacant lots in Rhode Island can apply for the Lots of Compassion Grant, which awards US $20,000 to each of 10 grantees. Focus is on under-resourced communities and projects that transform abandoned spaces into community gardens serving at least fifteen participants.

Rhode Island 3rd grade classrooms interested in horticulture and gardening can access funding through the Bonnie Plants Foundation’s 3rd Grade Cabbage Program, which provides US $1,000 in in-kind support to one student winner per participating state. Teachers, parents, and administrators may enroll eligible classes to engage youth in hands-on vegetable gardening and food education.

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 work in floriculture and related fields such as plant pathology, molecular biology, plant breeding, and agricultural education, which may benefit garden-focused programs.

Students pursuing horticulture or floriculture degrees who plan careers in commercial cut flower production, including those studying in Rhode Island, can receive US $1,000 scholarships for their education. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers also provides a one-year membership, which may benefit future garden and horticulture nonprofit leaders and programs.

Schools, homeschooling families, and education organizations in Rhode Island can use this grant to establish hydroponic classroom gardens that support STEM, STEAM, and nutrition education. Rise Gardens provides funding for hands-on gardening systems that build practical skills, entrepreneurship projects, and community-building opportunities through year-round, NGSS-aligned learning experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on horticulture, gardening, and public green spaces can access funding via Garden Club of Houston for civic and community projects. While priority goes to the greater Houston area, Rhode Island garden and beautification projects may be considered if they fit the club’s conservation and education interests.

Rhode Island nonprofits, Tribes, public schools, and school districts supporting youth food and nutrition initiatives can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Prizes for Innovation. Grants up to US $100,000 support projects in Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, school gardens, and culturally relevant, healthy school meals for kids up to age 18 across the U.S.

Rhode Island Elks Lodges seeking support for ongoing, Lodge-led community projects, including horticulture and gardening efforts, can apply for the ENF Community Investments Program Beacon Grants. These US $4,000 awards from Elks National Foundation back initiatives that meet basic human needs, assist veterans, alleviate poverty, and enhance local quality of life.

Rhode Island horticulture and gardening organizations may be eligible if they support graduating high school seniors pursuing agriculture degrees. Focused on agricultural education, Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers six renewable US $3,000 Schilling Scholarships for students from specified high schools who demonstrate financial need, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and attend a four-year college.

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.

Our Mission

KidsGardening creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden, be it outside, in a classroom, or in a cup on the kitchen windowsill. Since 1982, KidsGardening has served as a premier support provider for youth garden programs nationwide.

We support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.

Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant

In celebration of Miracle-Gro’s 75th anniversary, Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening are partnering to fund 75 intergenerational youth garden grants in 2026.

Intergenerational gardens provide opportunities for older gardeners to pass along traditions, knowledge, and skills to the next generation or share the experience of developing skills if new to gardening. In turn, young people bring their curiosity, wonder, and contagious enthusiasm for learning and life, exciting everyone involved in the growing process.

The 2026 Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant is designed to support gardens that intentionally bring children and older adults together through shared gardening experiences.

Funding Priorities

The selection of winners is prioritized based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including:

• Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors: How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority.

• Program Funding and Support: Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority.

• Impact: Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with more than 50 youth will be given priority.

Award Packages

Grantees will receive:

• A $500 cash award check
• A $250 coupon to purchase essential gardening supplies from ScottsMiracleGro.com