GroMoreGood Garden Grants

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.

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.

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.

1. The project’s positive influence and impact on young children, their families, and also the broader community.
2. The organization’s commitment to incorporate the garden as an important component in its educational programming with children and families.
3. The organization’s commitment to the maintenance and sustainability of the garden, including its plans for growth, community involvement and additional funding opportunities.
4. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

No, funds cannot be sent directly to an individual. Funds must be sent to the organization that applied for the grant.

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.

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.