How can you navigate funding complexities for community garden projects?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for funding, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your community garden project and what resources you need to make it happen. Think about the purpose, scope, location, size, design, and beneficiaries of your project. Also, estimate the budget, timeline, and staff requirements. Having a well-defined plan will help you communicate your goals and needs to potential funders and partners.

2 Research your options

When looking for funding for community garden projects, there are many different sources to consider, such as grants, donations, sponsorships, crowdfunding, memberships, fees, and in-kind support. Each source has its own criteria and application process, so it's important to research your options carefully and find the ones that match your goals and needs. For a good start on your research, check out the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA), which offers a directory of funding opportunities, a guide to writing grant proposals, and a network of experts and peers. Additionally, the National Gardening Association (NGA), provides grants, resources, and training for school and youth garden programs. The USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program is another great source of funding that supports projects that increase food security and community involvement in low-income areas. You may also want to look into local foundations, businesses, organizations, and government agencies that support community development, environmental education, health promotion, and social justice.

5 Evaluate and report your outcomes

To secure and maintain funding for your community garden project, you need to evaluate and report your outcomes regularly. You need to measure and document the impact of your project on your community, such as the number of participants, the amount of produce, the improvement of health, the enhancement of social cohesion, and the reduction of environmental footprint. You also need to report your outcomes to your funders and partners, as well as to your community, in a clear, concise, and compelling way. You can use various methods and tools to evaluate and report your outcomes, such as surveys, interviews, stories, photos, videos, newsletters, social media, or websites. By evaluating and reporting your outcomes, you can show your accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?