Youth Gardening Grants
North Dakota State University Extension will make grants up to $750 available on a competitive basis to support youth gardening projects in North Dakota. Approximately $22,500 is available and efforts will be made to support youth gardening programs in as many counties as possible.
Schools, 4-H clubs, community organizations, church groups and other youth organizations are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is March 12, 2021.
Funds may be used to purchase gardening supplies (hand tools, soil, seeds, plants, containers, etc.), Junior Master Gardener and/or other gardening books, and other teaching supplies. Funds cannot be used for snacks or other food, transportation, labor or major equipment.
Any project related to youth and gardening is eligible. Examples of possible projects include:
- The establishment of school gardens to promote the consumption of healthy foods.
- Food security gardens that grow vegetables to be donated to local food pantries.
- Construction projects such as building raised garden beds for the elderly.
- Beautification projects at schools, day care centers, parks, museums or along streets.
- Planting trees to establish small arboreta at schools or parks.
Selection criteria include (but are not limited to) the number of children involved, number of days of activity involved, location of project, and the value of the project to the overall community.
Funds awarded in 2021 need to be used by June 5, 2021. Project coordinators must pay for project supplies and submit all receipts for reimbursements when their allocated funds are spent.
More information and application forms are available at the North Dakota Junior Master Gardener website. Reports from projects supported in the past are available at the site.
Inquiries can be made to Dean Aakre at dean.aakre@ndsu.edu, Tom Kalb at tom.kalb@ndsu.edu or Carrie Knutson at carrie.knutson@ndsu.edu.
Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University.
