Hydroponic Garden Grant

The Hydroponic Garden Grant is offered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) through funding provided by the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. This initiative aims to introduce hydroponic gardening systems into North Dakota K–12 public schools, integrating agriculture with STEM education to enhance classroom learning. As part of the Farm to School efforts, this program encourages the development of sustainable, school-based food production systems while teaching students about agricultural science and nutrition. The grant specifically provides eligible schools with a hydroponic garden unit, which will be purchased and shipped directly by the NDDA. The intent is for schools to incorporate these systems into their educational programming, allowing students to engage with plant biology, food systems, and sustainability topics firsthand. Classroom materials to support curriculum integration will be mailed separately by NDDA to complement the garden systems. Schools selected must assemble and plant their garden within 14 days of receipt and submit proof of delivery and setup within the stipulated timeline. Eligibility for this grant is limited to K–12 public schools within North Dakota that have not previously received a hydroponic garden through the 2023–2024 grant cycle. Additionally, each school must designate a lead teacher for the program and submit a clear educational plan as part of their application. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for progress tracking and reporting, which includes midterm and final evaluations using surveys and photo documentation. The application process is straightforward. Interested schools must submit an online application by Monday, December 8, 2025. The selection process is on a rolling basis, with awards granted to the first eligible applicants until funding is depleted. Schools will be notified of their award status by December 15, 2025. Gardens will be shipped in early January 2026 and are expected to remain in use through May 2026, with the long-term goal of fostering continued use beyond the grant period. Grant oversight and program inquiries are managed by Jenna Nieters, Local Foods Marketing Specialist at the NDDA. She can be reached via email at jnieters@nd.gov or by phone at 701-328-2659. The NDDA headquarters is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. This program is non-recurring and intended for a single round of awards based on available federal funding.

Assemble and plant garden within 14 days of receipt; submit shipping receipt in 7 days; assign a lead teacher to ensure consistent project engagement.