Finding Grants that May Fit Your Project
Here is a helpful link for finding sources: http://www.nsta.org/publications/calendar/
When you go to this page, it has a list of upcoming events etc. in the world of science education. As you
scroll down, you see that some of these are deadlines for grant proposals. You can click on the name of
the grant and it takes you to a page with more information.
Grant Wrangler
Grant Wrangler is a clearinghouse for grant information and lists many available grants in one place.
http://www.grantwrangler.com/GrantManager/SearchDisplay.aspx
When you use “school garden” as your search term, you get many possible funding agencies
Technology Grant News
Here is another page that has a link to some K-16 level grant ideas
http://www.technologygrantnews.com/grant-index-by-type/science-education-grants.html
Vernier
Another resource with lists of grant opportunities:
http://www.vernier.com/grants/fulllist.html
Grant Funding Agencies That We Know of That You Could Use for School Garden-Based
Projects:
Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant Program
Lowe's will donate $5 million to public schools and public school parent-teacher groups at more than
1,000 U.S. public schools per school year. Maximum award is $5,000. Parent groups at K–12 schools
may apply. All K–12 schools in the United States (except Puerto Rico) are eligible. There is a preference
for funding requests that have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor)
as well as landscaping/clean up type projects. Projects that encourage parent involvement and build
stronger community spirit will be favored. For more information, visit www.toolboxforeducation.com.
Please note: The Lowe’s Toolbox Grant has increased in popularity over the years. Don’t wait until the
last minute to submit your application because they can close the application process before the deadline
if they receive too many applications.
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Captain Planet
Grants from the Captain Planet Foundation are intended to:
Provide hands-on environmental stewardship opportunities for youth; Serve as a catalyst to
getting environment-based education in schools; Inspire youth and communities to participate in
community service through environmental stewardship activities.
http://captainplanetfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/
Whole Kids Foundation
Created in partnership with FoodCorps, the School Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary
grant to a K-12 school, or a nonprofit working in partnership with a K-12 school, to support a new or
existing edible garden on school grounds.
https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/index.php/schools/school-garden-grant-program
North Carolina Bright Ideas Grant
The Bright Ideas education grant program, sponsored by North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy
cooperatives, strives to improve education in North Carolina classrooms by awarding grants to Tar Heel
teachers in grades K-12 for innovative, classroom-based projects that would not otherwise be funded.
Certified North Carolina teachers from participating schools are eligible to apply for grants of up to
$3,000. Interested educators must complete a formal application, which will thoroughly outline their
project, and are selected based on a competitive evaluation process done by each local electric
cooperative.
Each year, more than 2,000 applications are accepted from teachers in a variety of disciplines including
music, art, history, reading, science, career-planning and information technology.
http://www.ncbrightideas.com/Home.aspx
Please note that even though the excerpt from the homepage says $3,000, often there is a lesser amount
that schools are eligible for. In our experience, the max limit is often around $1,200. Specific information
for each NC county can be found on the website.
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NC Ag in the Classroom
North Carolina Farm Bureau is happy to provide agricultural outreach grants to North Carolina teachers
through our Ag in the Classroom . . . Going Local program. These grants value up to $500.
Going Local Grants help educators provide Pre-K through collegiate level students with valuable, realworld education and experiences directly related to the agricultural industry and the Common Core State
and Essential Standards. Teachers practicing in private and public North Carolina schools, colleges, and
universities are encouraged to apply.
http://www.ncagintheclassroom.com/
When you are on the home page for NC Ag in the Classroom, you can click on the grants tab at the top of
the page to access the Ag in the Classroom Grants page. Please note that while this grant is specific to
NC, many other state Farm Bureau Insurance agencies offer similar grant opportunities.
Donors Choose
Teachers outline a specific project and the budget needed for supplies. Prospective donors can choose a
project to support.
http://www.donorschoose.org/
Adopt-a-Classroom
This website allows teachers to post their classroom needs on-line. People who are interested in donating
to classrooms can choose which project they would like to support.
http://www.adoptaclassroom.org/index.aspx
Grant Writing Tips
The following link provides a nice summary of grant writing tips that can apply to any grant that you
might decide to write.
http://www.vernier.com/files/misc/grant_writing_guide.pdf
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