Community Food Security Through Gardening Grant Program

The Community Food Security Through Gardening Grant Program seeks to support organizations working to improve food security in Alaska by promoting and facilitating gardening projects. This initiative defines food security broadly, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all individuals have consistent access to safe, nutritious, and locally sourced food for healthy living. The program aims to encourage hands-on gardening education and direct community engagement to enhance local food systems. The grant prioritizes applications from organizations within the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, though funding is available for projects outside this area. Eligible projects must include practical gardening education tailored to the specific location, including crop selection and garden planning. Additionally, organizations should demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing food insecurity by growing and distributing fresh, nutritious produce within their communities. Preference will be given to projects focused on school gardens, community gardens, tower gardens, and other initiatives that create and maintain edible gardens. The program has an annual budget of $100,000, with plans to award ten grants of $10,000 each. Funding may be used for a variety of gardening-related initiatives, and organizations that can leverage additional funding from local, state, or federal sources—including in-kind donations—will be viewed favorably. Organizations that received funding in 2024 are eligible to apply again. Projects must be completed within nine months of grant disbursement, with funding expected to be distributed by the end of March and final reports due by December 31. Applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee based on several key criteria, including alignment with the grant’s purpose of engaging the community in local food production, measurable impact, hands-on approach, collaboration with partner organizations, and sustainability. Projects that incorporate training should include metrics on the number of participants trained and the broader impact within the community. Preference will be given to projects that foster long-term commitment to food security. Individuals seeking funding must collaborate with a fiscal sponsor, such as a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, as the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) does not grant directly to individuals. Applicants are encouraged to contact the ACF Programs & Grants team for assistance in securing a fiscal sponsor. This grant is made possible by a legacy gift from Willow-based gardeners, Gerald and Kathryn Freeley. Interested applicants must submit their proposals between January 15, 2025, and February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications that align closely with the selection criteria and demonstrate a strong potential for community impact will be given priority.