Decades of research show children who grow fresh food eat more fresh food. That’s why NHSA, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and KidsGardening are joining forces to teach children, families, and communities how to grow their own produce.
The GroMoreGood initiative makes garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. The initiative also supports the creation of green space projects-land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation-as an option for children and the community to learn.
2024 – 25 Garden Storytimes
Fall Storytime
Nov. 14 @ 1 p.m. ET
Register Now
Winter Storytime
Jan. 9 @ 1 p.m. ET
Register Now
Spring Storytime
March 13 @ 1 p.m. ET
Register Now
Summer Storytime
May 8 @ 1 p.m. ET
Register Now
Garden Resources
There are so many lessons to be learned in the garden: knowledge about nutritious food, an understanding of the natural world, a chance to watch something grow. Explore our resources below to learn how hands-on experiences in the garden provide a multitude of benefits, including access to healthy food, decreased stress and anxiety, greater engagement with learning, and more!
GroMoreGood Garden Grant applications are now closed.
Check back in October for the 2026 application.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply? Expand
Any Head Start program that is a current NHSA member. Applicants must have the plot of land in their possession at the time of the application with at least a two-year commitment for the garden to be on that property.
Can our program apply for more than one location? Expand
Each Head Start program that is also a member of NHSA may submit one application. If your program manages multiple sites, you can use the grant to serve multiple sites, and share this plan in your application.
How many grants are awarded each year? Expand
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and NHSA Garden Grant Program will award variable grant amounts depending on demonstrated need and proposal in the application. Grant awards will vary from $2,500-$5,000 in an effort to supplement needs of existing garden projects, to help launch new garden projects, or to supplement/launch outdoor green space projects (i.e., land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation and an option for children and the community to learn). The Initiative will be awarding a total of $50,000 in grant awards.
What are the most important factors in the decisionmaking process for the grants? Expand
- The project’s positive influence and impact on young children, their families, and also the broader community.
- The organization’s commitment to incorporate the garden as an important component in its educational programming with children and families.
- The organization’s commitment to the maintenance and sustainability of the garden, including its plans for growth, community involvement and additional funding opportunities.
- The organization’s plans to engage students, families, community partners and volunteers in a Community Build Day, a day set apart to create and celebrate the garden.
I applied before and was not awarded. How can I improve my application? Expand
While we would love to serve everyone who applies, we have limited funds in this partnership. Try to be as concise, clear, and specific in your application as possible while always writing to the four criteria above.
We are not classified as a 501(c)(3) charity. Can we still apply? Expand
Generally, no. There are, however, certain organizations that qualify as tax-exempt within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Service code and are eligible to apply without a 501(c)(3) designation. Examples are school districts, universities and government entities. If you are a school-based Head Start program that has not achieved 501(c)(3) status, please use your district’s EIN number.
We do not have a 501(c)(3) classification. Can we apply through a fiscal sponsor? Expand
Yes. If your organization has not achieved 501(c)(3) status, a fiscal sponsor who has achieved it is required. If you are a school-based Head Start program that has not achieved 501(c)(3) status, please use your district’s EIN number.
Our organization has received a Gro More Garden Grant from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. Can we still apply? Expand
No. Once a Head Start program has been awarded a Gro More Good Grant from this Initiative you are no longer eligible to apply again.
Are there specific guidelines on how the grant funds should be used? Expand
Grant funds should be used only for the designated purpose as described in the grant application and subsequent grant notification letter. Each grantee determines how to use their grant cash award towards their garden but if you have any doubts, we encourage you to say Hello
Can grant funds be sent directly to a parent or garden coordinator instead of the Head Start center? Expand
No, funds cannot be sent directly to an individual. Funds must be sent to the organization that applied for the grant.
If awarded a grant, are there reporting requirements? Expand
Yes. Recipients of grant funding are required to report back to NHSA on how the grant funds were used. Reporting guidelines will be shared with each winning organization once awarded with a timeline of deliverables and expectations.
If awarded a grant, will I need to attend anything? Expand
You will be invited to the National Conference to attend the Scholarship and Awards Ceremony where your program will be recognized. In addition, a welcome webinar will be held in February.
Thanks to Our Sponsor
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation, and preserving our planet. Its support of the National Head Start Association includes providing GroMoreGood Garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. The initiative also supports the creation of green space projects-land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation-as an option for children and the community to learn.