Best Community and School Garden Grants in Rhode Island

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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