Unity Gardens Grant

Unity Gardens is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering community-driven environmental improvement through the strategic use of native plants. Based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Unity Gardens has established a long-running tradition of funding grassroots initiatives that utilize native species to address pressing ecological concerns such as stormwater runoff, pollution, erosion, and habitat loss. Their mission centers on empowering local communities—especially small organizations and neighborhood groups—to enhance green infrastructure and biodiversity within their environments. Twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, Unity Gardens opens competitive grant cycles to support planting projects that align with these goals. For the Spring 2026 cycle, applications will be accepted from February 15 through April 1, 2026. This cycle continues Unity Gardens' long-standing emphasis on using Maryland Coastal Plains-native plants and engaging local communities in sustainable gardening practices. Importantly, this grant cycle introduces a new mentorship offering: applicants can request a volunteer mentor to assist with any part of the grant preparation process by submitting a form online or via email. Grants are awarded to eligible groups including homeowners associations, scout troops, schools, garden clubs, places of worship, and other nonprofits operating within Anne Arundel County. Unity Gardens only funds projects located in this geographic region, and projects must be executed using plants native specifically to the Maryland Coastal Plains eco-region. A list of approved native plants is available on their website via resources from the local forestry department. Award amounts vary by grant type—Standard Grants offer up to $1,000, Meadow Grants up to $2,000, and Super Grants up to $3,000. To qualify for the higher funding tiers, applicants must meet additional requirements, such as using a majority of native trees or shrubs. Applicants are required to submit six components: a project description, site photos, a planting sketch, a maintenance plan, a property owner's letter of support, and a proposed budget. The budget must allocate at least 80% of the requested funds toward native plants, with up to 20% allowed for supporting materials like mulch or compost. Delivery fees are not reimbursable and must be covered by matching funds. Unity Gardens encourages cost sharing, though it is not strictly required. Applications may be submitted through Unity Gardens’ online portal, which is the preferred method, or by email using downloadable forms provided on the organization’s website. Submissions will be acknowledged via email within three business days. Award decisions will be communicated between April 15 and April 30, followed by a Letter of Agreement for approved grantees. Projects must be completed during the Spring 2026 season, with final reports and receipts due by July 31, 2026. Unused funds must be returned, and non-compliant organizations may be disqualified from future grant cycles. Site visits to completed projects will occur within 12 months of completion. Unity Gardens also provides a suite of support tools for applicants, including budget templates, planting guides, native species databases, and examples of strong past applications. While the program does not fund ongoing operations or non-native plantings, it offers discounted pricing through nursery partners and actively promotes participation in the Maryland Pollinator Pathway initiative, which encourages pesticide-free gardening. Overall, Unity Gardens’ Spring 2026 grant cycle offers a structured, locally targeted opportunity for community groups to make a lasting ecological impact using native plants.

Include all attachments to avoid delays. Only Maryland native plants will be accepted; non-compliant submissions must be redone.