Community Garden Grant

The Community Garden Grants program is a collaborative initiative led by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and The City of Columbus, designed to support the development, sustainability, and expansion of community gardens and greenspaces in Central Ohio. Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of urban agriculture and green infrastructure, the program offers financial and material assistance to organizations that repurpose underused land into thriving garden spaces. These grants aim to enhance healthy food access, educational opportunities, and community wellness—particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods throughout Columbus and Franklin County. The program provides two tiers of funding in 2026: a main grant of up to $1,500 to support day-to-day garden operations (excluding ongoing personnel costs), and a $300 mini-grant for essential materials such as soil, tools, and garden products. These resources are intended to help both new and existing gardens—ranging from school gardens to pollinator sites and beautification efforts—flourish within their local communities. It is noted that there will not be a product donation event in spring 2026, placing additional emphasis on the importance of the mini-grant for material support. Eligibility for the program includes having 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or a fiscal sponsor, and being located within the city limits of Columbus for City funding or within Franklin County for Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation funding. Applications must propose projects that can be completed within one calendar year from submission. Applicants must also submit a landowner-signed acknowledgment form, particularly if the garden is on Land Bank property, to confirm site access and ownership. The program encourages strong relationships between garden groups and fiscal sponsors, with fiscal sponsors serving as the official grantees responsible for receiving and disbursing funds. The grant application opened on January 15, 2026, and will close on February 15, 2026. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by March 3, 2026, and funds will be distributed by The Columbus Foundation in the week following. The program requires final reports to be submitted via the grant portal by late November 2026. The application process includes providing detailed information on how the garden aligns with the grant's priorities—namely food production, education, and community impact—as well as a sustainability plan and a proposed budget. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the program’s core objectives, community impact, organizational capacity, and financial planning. The program accepts submissions through a dedicated online portal and encourages applicants to include parcel IDs to confirm eligibility within the specified geographic boundaries. For additional support, applicants may contact Stefanie Coffman at The Columbus Foundation for questions or clarification. Ultimately, the Community Garden Grants program plays a critical role in enriching Central Ohio communities by supporting spaces that nourish residents physically, socially, and environmentally. Whether enhancing existing greenspaces or cultivating new ones, this grant supports local efforts to grow healthier, more connected neighborhoods through urban agriculture and community gardening.

Ensure clarity on fiscal sponsor relationship; Align proposal with food education and community benefit focus.