Apply for Lowe’s Community Garden Grants: Full Details

You’re sitting on a community space that could transform your neighborhood, but you don’t know where funding starts. Lowe’s Hometowns offers a solution—a $100 million initiative designed to revitalize spaces like parks and gardens. With an application deadline of February 18, 2025, you’ll want to understand what projects qualify, who’s eligible, and how to position your nomination for success.

Key Takeaways

• Nominations for the 2025 Lowe’s Hometowns Grant Program are open from January 21 through February 18, 2025.
• Legal U.S. residents aged 21 or older can nominate projects partnering with eligible nonprofits, schools, or government entities.
• Projects must make physical improvements within a reasonable distance of a Lowe’s store and benefit entire communities, not individuals.
• Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $100,000, with up to 100 projects selected from 200 finalists.
• Submissions are evaluated on community impact, demonstrated need, feasibility, and inspiration, with winners announced in late June 2025.

Understanding the Lowe’s Hometowns Grant Program

The Lowe’s Hometowns Grant Program represents a substantial five-year, $100 million commitment to revitalizing communities across the United States through physical improvements to public spaces.

This grant program overview highlights its focus on supporting projects like community gardens, parks, and essential spaces that address significant local needs.

You engage your community by submitting nominations annually between January 21 and February 18, aiming to develop impactful and feasible projects completed from July to November.

The program values community engagement strategies that inspire others and make lasting positive impacts on neighborhoods, with winners announced each June.

2. Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To qualify for Lowe’s community garden grants, you’ll need to be a legal U.S. resident at least 21 years old and nominate a project through an eligible organization like a nonprofit, municipality, or K-12 school.

Your project must be located within a reasonable distance of a Lowe’s store and involve physical improvements to a community space.

Keep in mind that the nominator and their immediate family members can’t receive direct financial benefits from the project you’re proposing.

Eligible Organizations

While Lowe’s has shifted its grantmaking approach, you’ll find that eligible organizations for community garden grants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits, public agencies, and government entities operating in communities where Lowe’s stores are located. K-12 schools also qualify for funding. Your grant application must demonstrate clear community benefits and address significant local needs. The invitation-only process requires you to contact your nearest Lowe’s store to begin. Projects spanning community gardens, greenspaces, and beautification initiatives receive priority consideration. Organizations must show measurable impact potential and alignment with Lowe’s community improvement mission.

Project Location

Although you must be a legal U.S. or D.C. resident aged 21 or older to apply, your community garden project must also be physically located within a reasonable distance of a Lowe’s store to qualify for the grant.

Your project site should be accessible for Lowe’s to support and guarantee community engagement throughout the process.

The location must clearly show how the garden addresses significant community needs and can positively impact local residents.

Selecting a project site with strong community involvement will strengthen your nomination and align with Lowe’s focus on tangible improvements and engagement.

Nominee Age Requirement

You’ll need to meet a basic age requirement to nominate a community garden project for Lowe’s Hometowns grant program. The nominee age must be at least 21 years old and a legal resident of the U.S. or D.C. to satisfy the eligibility criteria.

This guarantees that nominees are adults who can responsibly participate in community improvement efforts. Meeting this age requirement is mandatory to submit a nomination, whether you’re nominating one or multiple projects.

Keep in mind that nominations close on February 18, 2025, and compliance with all project eligibility criteria, including age, is strictly enforced.

3. Project Categories and Focus Areas

Lowe’s Community Garden Grants fall under project categories that prioritize enhancing community well-being by revitalizing physical spaces like gardens, parks, and community centers.

You can nominate garden types that address significant local needs, focusing on themes that inspire community engagement and drive positive impact.

Eligible projects must demonstrate feasibility and a clear benefit to underserved areas, aligning with Lowe’s mission.

Alongside community gardens, related project themes include creating inviting parks and improving community centers, all aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering a sense of connection among residents through meaningful physical improvements.

4. Community Garden Project Examples

You can see how community garden transformations bring neighborhoods together, turning unused spaces into vibrant hubs for learning and wellness.

Real project impact stories show families working side by side, building raised beds and planting vegetables that feed both bodies and minds.

These gardens don’t just grow food—they grow pride, health, and stronger communities.

Community Garden Transformations

When neglected areas turn into community gardens, they become vibrant spaces that provide food, recreation, and connection for locals.

You’ll see firsthand how green initiatives and community engagement thrive in these transformed spaces.

With Lowe’s support, gardens now feature reading nooks, vegetable plots, and educational hubs where families learn about gardening, nutrition, and sustainability.

These projects don’t just beautify neighborhoods—they foster lasting bonds and empower residents.

Project Impact Stories

Across the country, community garden projects funded by Lowe’s Hometowns have blossomed into inclusive hubs that engage families, educate children, and promote nutrition.

These gardens foster strong community engagement by addressing significant local needs through physical improvements. One example is a garden in San Antonio designed specifically for deaf and hard of hearing children, highlighting the program’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

5. Nomination Timeline and Deadlines

While the search results provide information about the 2025 Lowe’s Hometowns grant program, there are discrepancies between the facts you’ve provided and what’s actually documented.

The verified nomination process requires you to submit projects by February 18, 2025. You’ll strengthen community engagement by involving local nonprofits and Lowe’s associates in your nomination process. The actual program doesn’t specify garden grants separately, but emphasizes physical improvements benefiting entire communities rather than individuals.

6. How to Submit Your Project Nomination

If you want your community garden project to be considered for a Lowe’s Hometowns grant, start by submitting your nomination between January 21 and February 18, 2025.

Focus your narrative strategies on demonstrating clear community impact and addressing local needs. Make sure your project involves physical improvements and is sponsored by a nonprofit.

Only one nomination per project is allowed, so choose your approach carefully. Lowe’s associates can help, but watch for nomination challenges like eligibility or missing details.

Finalists will be contacted in spring 2025, with recipients announced in late June.

7. Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process

When you submit your project nomination for Lowe’s community garden grants, your application will be evaluated on three core dimensions: how significantly your project will impact your community, whether there’s a demonstrated need for the improvement, and whether your plan is realistic and achievable.

You’ll want to clearly articulate the community benefit your garden will provide, showing both the scope of positive change and the number of people who’ll benefit from the project.

Your proposal should also demonstrate feasibility by outlining your team’s capacity, timeline, and resources to successfully complete the work.

Impact Assessment

To guarantee your community garden grant receives funding through Lowe’s Hometowns program, you’ll need to understand how the selection committee evaluates nominations. Impact measurement and community feedback are key. The committee, with a third-party vendor, reviews each nomination for viability, need, and potential to inspire engagement.

Need Evaluation

Because the selection committee prioritizes projects that address significant community needs, your nomination must clearly demonstrate how it targets underserved populations or critical local issues.

Your project assessment will be judged on:

1. The extent to which it meets urgent community needs.
2. Its potential impact on the entire community or specific underserved groups.
3. How well it inspires others and addresses local challenges.

Be specific about who benefits and why your project matters.

Show that your plan is realistic and will make a real difference. This approach guarantees your nomination stands out during the project assessment process.

Feasibility Review

While your project’s vision is important, the selection committee will closely examine whether it’s truly feasible to complete between July and November 2025.

They’ll assess your plan’s practicality, timeline, and resource allocation.

Project sustainability matters—your garden should thrive beyond the grant period.

Community engagement is key; show how locals will participate and benefit.

The committee looks for realistic, well-organized projects that inspire others and address real needs.

Make sure your nomination demonstrates clear steps for success, strong local support, and a lasting impact.

Only one nomination per project is allowed, so choose wisely.

8. Grant Award Amounts and Funding Details

Lowe’s community garden grants typically range from $2,000 to $100,000, depending on the specific grant program and project scope.

When planning your grant application, focus on clear grant application tips and funding utilization strategies to improve your chances.

Keep in mind:

1. Grants support projects that demonstrate significant community needs and align with Lowe’s mission to promote community well-being.
2. Funding is available year-round for select areas, with broader nomination windows (like January 2026 for Hometowns).
3. All projects must comply with local building codes to guarantee safety and feasibility.

9. Project Completion Requirements

To guarantee your community garden project makes a timely impact, plan for completion between July and November of the designated year.

Establishing clear project timestones confirms you meet Lowe’s requirements and maximize community benefit during peak growing seasons.

You’ll need to outline realistic project milestones that account for site preparation, planting, and establishment phases.

Compliance with local building requirements is mandatory throughout execution, protecting both safety and legality.

Document your progress against predetermined timelines, as Lowe’s may request status updates.

10. Support and Resources Available to Applicants

Since you’re pursuing a community garden grant through Lowe’s Hometowns, you’ll find comprehensive resources and direct support available to guide you through the nomination process.

You can access detailed grant application tips and community collaboration strategies on Lowes.com. Lowe’s associates actively assist projects by offering hands-on help and leveraging the company’s product range to guarantee successful execution.

Here’s how you’ll be supported:

1. Online resources detailing eligibility and grant application tips to streamline your nomination.
2. Guidance on community collaboration strategies to unite local members effectively.
3. Direct involvement from Lowe’s associates providing labor and expertise during project implementation.

11. Success Stories From Previous Grant Recipients

When community members champion garden projects, the results speak volumes about what’s possible with dedicated support and resources.

You’ve witnessed transformative outcomes across the nation—from San Antonio’s accessible playground for deaf and hard of hearing children to Waterloo’s vibrant veteran gathering space. These successes underscore how community engagement drives meaningful change.

Grant funding has refurbished 54 community gardens, parks, and playgrounds, impacting over 2.5 million people nationwide. Your local collaborations with volunteers and organizations demonstrate project sustainability, creating educational hubs that promote nutrition and gardening skills.

These examples showcase the tangible difference you can make in your neighborhood through strategic funding and collective effort.

12. Next Steps After Submitting Your Nomination

Once you submit your nomination for a Lowe’s Community Garden Grant, you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating your application is in the selection process.

Here are your next steps:

1. Monitor application tracking through social media using #LowesHometowns for real-time updates on your nomination’s progress.
2. Expect direct contact from finalists during spring 2025 if your project advances in the selection process.
3. Watch for grant recipient announcements in late June via Lowe’s Newsroom to discover if you’ve been selected for funding.

For technical questions or additional support regarding your nomination, contact customer service for assistance guiding the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lowes Donate to Community Projects?

Lowe’s donations actively support community projects through its Hometowns initiative, committing $100 million over five years and funding nearly 1,800 projects like gardens, food pantries, and public spaces to improve local communities.

Does Lowes Give Grants to Small Businesses?

Lowe’s doesn’t provide direct small business funding through their grant programs. Their grant application process targets nonprofits, municipalities, or schools, not for-profit small businesses, so you’d need to partner with an eligible nonprofit to access funding.

Is Lowes Giving Out Free Flowers?

No, Lowe’s isn’t giving out free flowers, but coincidentally, their gardening initiatives and flower giveaways often support community projects—check their site for ways you can get involved and possibly score some blooms for your neighborhood.

How to Get a Partnership With Lowes?

You’ll partner with Lowe’s by nominating a community project through Lowes.com/Hometowns before February 18, 2025. The application process emphasizes demonstrating community need and positive impact, with partnership benefits including $100 million in grants supporting physical improvements.

Conclusion

You can transform your community by applying this January 21 to February 18 for a Lowe’s Community Garden Grant. Nominate your nonprofit or school-led garden project that brings people together and improves shared spaces. Grants range from $2,000 to $100,000, so whether it’s a park, garden, or center, your idea can grow with this support. Stay ready to complete your project by November and see your community thrive in rhythm with Lowe’s commitment to renewal.