World of Wonder School Gardens Grants

The World of Wonder (WOW) School Gardens Grants are offered through the Northshore Community Foundation, a private philanthropic organization located in Covington, Louisiana. The WOW fund was established in January 2014 by Jacqueline “Jinx” Vidrine, Ph.D., with a mission to promote hands-on environmental and nutritional education. By leveraging the expertise of master gardeners and the collaboration of teachers, parents, and students, the WOW initiative aims to foster community engagement through school-based garden programs. This funding opportunity is designed to support the creation and expansion of garden projects in public schools and surrounding communities. The primary goal is to connect students with the sources of their food, cultivating awareness around health, sustainability, and community interdependence. The WOW grants serve as a catalyst for experiential learning, helping students understand where food comes from and its relationship to personal and environmental health. Funding is awarded in the amount of $250 for the development of new school gardens. In addition, expansion projects, tree planting initiatives, or requests for edible landscaping are considered on a case-by-case basis. This flexible approach allows applicants to seek support for a variety of green infrastructure and environmental education efforts, although exact funding beyond the base amount is not predetermined and must be evaluated by the grant administrators. The grants are available on a rolling basis, and the application window remains open throughout the year—from January 1 through December 31. Interested applicants must download the application form and submit it via mail to 807 N. Columbia Street, Covington, LA 70433. There is no electronic submission option noted. After submission, applicants can expect to receive a decision within 60 days. This predictable turnaround time supports planning and project implementation, particularly for schools working around academic calendars. Eligibility is limited to public schools and local community entities engaged in education or student-centered programs. There are no references to eligibility for higher education institutions, private schools, nonprofits, or governmental agencies beyond school systems, suggesting a focus on K–12 public education environments. For further information or application assistance, applicants may contact the foundation by phone at 985-893-8757. There is no named grant officer or email address listed in the public materials. The Northshore Community Foundation encourages community members to take part in creating lasting change, and the WOW School Gardens Grants exemplify this commitment through local, tangible environmental education investments.