Lots of Compassion Grant

The Lots of Compassion Grant is a community-focused funding initiative developed collaboratively by Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and KidsGardening. This grant program is designed to support local leaders and organizations in transforming vacant lots into flourishing gardens that foster community engagement, health, and compassion. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, inspired by Thelma A. Meyer’s values and gardening spirit, promotes a better way to care for the home through garden-inspired products, while KidsGardening focuses on educational and communal benefits of gardening. Their shared belief is that gardens have the power to grow more than just plants—they can nurture communities and compassion. The grant specifically addresses the issue of abandoned and vacant land, which comprises about 15% of populated areas and is linked to negative outcomes such as reduced mental and physical health and increased feelings of insecurity. To counteract these effects, the Lots of Compassion Grant funds community garden initiatives on such lots. In 2025, ten selected applicants will each receive $20,000, making a total of $200,000 in awards. This program is part of a larger five-year commitment by Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day to contribute up to $1 million from Compassion Flower product sales to community gardening efforts. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations, school districts, universities, religious groups, or other U.S.-based tax-exempt entities, including those in U.S. territories. Individuals and groups without tax-exempt status may apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Government entities at all levels and politically-funded groups are not eligible. Applicants must plan to use the funds to create a garden on a vacant lot and must demonstrate service to under-resourced communities, as well as the capacity to involve at least fifteen participants in the garden project. Selection criteria emphasize need and potential impact. Priority is given to programs operating in under-resourced areas, those with limited financial support or grant histories, and initiatives serving larger groups of people. Applications are evaluated based on community needs, proposed program reach, and alignment with grant goals. Previous grant recipients of the Lots of Compassion Grant are not eligible to reapply. Applications must be submitted online by June 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. Resources such as downloadable versions of the application in Word and PDF formats are available. Applicants are encouraged to draft responses in these documents before submitting online to avoid browser timeouts. Awards will be announced in August 2025 and disbursed in two installments—in September 2025 and January 2026—based on the grantee’s budget. Grantees must submit annual reports through 2028, starting June 15, 2026, including photos, narratives, and signed photo release forms. For technical or program-related inquiries, applicants may contact Sarah Lane, Grant Program Director, at grants@kidsgardening.org. Additional guidance and FAQs are available on the KidsGardening website to assist with the application process.