Schoolyard Gardening Grants Program
The Schoolyard as a Classroom
(An ongoing Youth-education Project)
Co-Chairs:
Leigh Hartman
Mary Lippman
Susan Vandenriesse
Teaching children the glory of nature is a wonderful way to inspire a love for gardening that will last a lifetime. The opportunity to plant and watch a flower grow, or pick a carrot to bring to the table, brings the wonder of nature closer to children. Our Schoolyard Garden Grants program is dedicated to spreading this wonder.
Our committee members review grant applications, advocate for schoolyard gardening programs, conduct site visits, and inspire members to continue to donate to our Schoolyard Garden Grants Fund.
The grants support schools in their efforts to provide a place and time for students to learn about healthy gardening practices and nutrition. Students learn how to design and plan; ament the soil, plant, water, weed, and tend the crops; harvest; and prepare food for the table. Many of the gardens are vital sanctuary, a quiet, healing refuge that also provides a focused, peaceful place to conduct reading groups, science lessons, culinary classes, and art projects.
Thanks to you, during the 2023/2024 fiscal year, our Schoolyard Garden Grants Committee awarded $7,972 in 23 grants, representing 36 schools. The majority of our funding went to Title 1 schools where greenspace is scarce, and children cope with high levels of poverty, including homelessness. The grants are designated for gardening supplies to help the schools provide a space where students can experience quietude and garden-based learning that segues into all other aspects of their education.
The grant application deadline is October 15, 2024.