You’ll find the 1000 Community Improvement Garden Grant supports metro Atlanta’s community gardens. It offers two grant tiers. You can apply for $1,500 or $10,000. What projects are eligible?

Key Takeaways
- Grant supports community gardens in metro Atlanta.
- Funding available for infrastructure projects.
- Eligibility criteria includes five households participating.
- Grants encourage sustainable practices and engagement.
- Total funding available is $132,500.
Eligibility Criteria for Community Gardens
As you consider applying for the Community Improvement Garden Grant, you’ll need to determine if your community garden meets the eligibility criteria, which requires it to be located in one of five specific counties in metro Atlanta: Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, or Gwinnett.
You must comply with community garden regulations and meet gardening participation requirements, including at least five households participating.
Your garden’s primary focus should be on growing food, with non-food plants secondary.
Grant Opportunities and Funding
You’ll find two grant types under the Community Improvement Garden Grant: the Garden Improvement Grant and the Garden Forward Grant, with award amounts of $1,500 and $10,000, respectively.
These funding options are designed to support community gardens in metro Atlanta, allowing you to select the grant that best aligns with your garden’s scale and goals. Funds can be allocated to specific infrastructure projects such as raised beds, irrigation systems, fencing, or tool storage.
Beyond food production, many community gardens play a broader role by supporting neighborhood well-being.
When planned strategically, these grants can complement access to health services, by promoting nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness, and contribute indirectly to housing aid efforts by stabilizing communities and improving shared spaces. Carefully reviewing award amounts and eligible uses will help you choose the option that best supports both your garden and the surrounding community.
Grant Types
The 1000 Community Improvement Garden Grant program offers two distinct funding opportunities: the Garden Improvement Grant, which provides $1,500, and the Garden Forward Grant, which awards $10,000—both designed to strengthen and expand community gardening initiatives.
As you develop your grant application and funding strategies, it’s helpful to emphasize how your garden supports low income people by improving access to fresh produce and reducing food costs.
Many successful applications also highlight alignment with food security goals and complementary programs like SNAP, showing how the garden helps households stretch benefits while building long-term community resilience.
| Grant | Amount |
|---|---|
| Garden Improvement | $1,500 |
| Garden Forward | $10,000 |
| Eligibility | 5+ households |
| Location | Metro Atlanta |
Funding Options
Funding for community garden projects is available through two grant opportunities: the Garden Improvement Grant and the Garden Forward Grant.
You can use these grants to support sustainable practices and deepen community engagement, including the adoption of new technologies such as efficient irrigation systems, soil sensors, or digital planning tools that improve productivity and resource use.
Eligible projects include infrastructure improvements that promote shared gardening and benefit at least five households. Many gardens also design projects that are accessible and welcoming for seniors, enhancing mobility, safety, and participation while strengthening the garden’s overall community impact.
Award Amounts
Several grant opportunities are available, with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the scope of your project.
You’ll optimize grant impact by allocating funds effectively. The funding distribution will support garden infrastructure, enhancing your community’s gardening capabilities.
With a total of $132,500 available, you can utilize this funding to drive meaningful change, ensuring a significant grant impact through strategic project planning and budgeting.
Application Process and Requirements
You’ll need to determine your grant eligibility before submitting an application for the Community Improvement Garden Grant, which involves reviewing the requirements for the Garden Improvement Grant and the Garden Forward Grant.
When you’re ready to apply, you’ll access the online application form, where you can save and return to your work as needed, and you won’t need a Tax ID number to register.
You must carefully prepare your application, including a clear project budget and a well-defined role of the garden in the community, to increase your chances of securing grant funding.
Grant Eligibility
As you prepare to apply for the Community Improvement Garden Grant, it’s essential that your community garden meets the eligibility criteria, which requires the garden to be located in one of the five designated counties in metro Atlanta – Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, or Gwinnett – and consist of at least five individual households gardening collectively.
This fosters garden collaboration and community involvement, ensuring your garden is a hub for collective growth and development, meeting the grant’s requirements.
Application Form
To apply for the Community Improvement Garden Grant, applicants must submit their application through the online grant system, which allows new users to register early and save their progress as they go.
You’ll find application tips to guide you. Guarantee a clear project definition and budget.
For form submission, enter ’00-0000000′ if you lack a Tax ID number. Review requirements carefully to complete your application successfully.
Grant Funding
Having completed the application form, it’s time to focus on the grant funding process.
You’ll need to develop grant utilization strategies and funding sustainability methods.
Ascertain you clearly define your garden’s community role and provide a realistic budget.
This will help you secure funding and achieve your goals, whether you’re applying for the $1,500 or $10,000 grant.
Garden Improvement and Development Projects
You’ll find that garden improvement and development projects are essential for boosting the overall functionality and sustainability of community gardens. They promote sustainable practices and community engagement.
| Project | Goal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Improvement | Improve soil quality | Increased crop yield |
| Irrigation | Increase water efficiency | Reduced waste |
| Accessibility | Enhance garden access | Increased community engagement |
Labor Support and Additional Resources
Garden improvement and development projects, like those discussed earlier, often require more than just physical infrastructure – they also need adequate labor support.
You can access labor funding through the Labor Support Program, which covers specialized labor costs.
Additionally, you can utilize community resources, such as Q&A webinars, for guidance on the application process, ensuring you get the support you need to complete your project successfully with available labor funding and community resources.
Timeline and Submission Guidelines
As the application period approaches, it’s crucial that you understand the timeline and submission guidelines for the Community Improvement Garden Grant.
You’ll submit applications from October 13 to November 23.
Consider timeline importance and submission tips to guarantee a smooth process.
Register early to avoid delays, and attend the Q&A webinar for guidance, increasing your chances of a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Grant Deadline?
You’ll find the grant deadline during the application process, which outlines eligibility criteria, so you can determine if you’re qualified to apply.
Can Schools Apply?
You’re surprisingly enthusiastic, and yes, you can apply if your school meets eligibility criteria, following the application process outlined, which you’ll thankfully find is straightforward.
Are Tools Provided?
You’ll need to check tool availability, as they’re not always provided, and consider tool maintenance, which is often your responsibility.
How Long Is Funding?
You’ll receive funding for 2 years, with options for grant renewal, determining the funding duration based on project performance and available resources, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Is Matching Required?
You’ll find that matching funds aren’t always required, but they can impact grant eligibility, so you’re encouraged to provide them to improve your application’s overall competitiveness and chances.
Conclusion
You’ll find that investing in community gardens improves local ecosystems, confirming the theory that urban green spaces promote environmental sustainability. By securing a 1000 Community Improvement Garden Grant, you’ll develop infrastructure, encourage sustainability, and foster community involvement, ultimately driving positive change in metro Atlanta’s gardens, and supporting a healthier environment.