Home and Garden News: National Gardening Association Grants for Family and School Gardens

To start the year off right, Designingonline brings you the good home and garden news: Year-round grants are available for parents, teachers, and non-profit organizations that are hoping to introduce children to the concepts of garden design and growing their own food. Below are the year's first three deadlines.

Heinz Wholesome Memories Intergenerational Garden Award
Deadline: January 10, 2010

Fifty-seven grants worth $500 each in gardening materials and supplies will be awarded to families across the U.S. who wish to garden with preschool to high school-aged children. Applications should be completed by adults, and gardens can be anywhere, including home, roof, deck, school, or community. However, this particular grant is meant to fund family gardens. Applications with a nutrition, sustainability, or socialization focus are encouraged.

Welch's Harvest Grant
Deadline: February 6, 2010

Scholastic Inc. and Welch's Grape Juice will recognize 100 K-through-8 schools with gardening awards, two in each state. Customized indoor/outdoor gardening kits with tools, seeds, and educational materials will be distributed in April. There will be 100 awards: Five at the $1000 level, 25 at the $500 level, and 70 at the $250 level. Parents are encouraged to inform interested teachers about these awards to promote school gardens.

Mantis Award
Deadline: March 1, 2010

Mantis will award 25 new tillers to community and non-profit gardens across the country. Valued at $349, the tillers come with borders/edgers and kickstands. Choose from a gas-powered, 2-cycle engine or electric motor.

All grants require minimal follow-up procedures to report on the efforts funded. Now go plan that gardening project for the children in your home or community!