Gardens for Good: Plant it Forward Grant Program

The Gardens for Good Plant it Forward grant program is an annual funding initiative administered by Nature’s Path Organic Foods, a private company known for its commitment to organic agriculture and sustainable food systems. Since launching the program in 2010, the organization has invested more than 1 million CAD into over 120 community garden projects across the United States and Canada. The program is rooted in the belief that organic community gardens can play a critical role in addressing food insecurity while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience. By supporting grassroots initiatives, Nature’s Path aims to expand access to healthy, organic food in underserved communities and strengthen local food systems. The primary objective of the Plant it Forward grant program is to provide financial support to nonprofit-led organic community gardening projects that directly serve populations experiencing food insecurity. Eligible projects must demonstrate the ability to grow and distribute organic food to vulnerable groups such as low-income families, food banks, shelters, and school feeding programs. The program emphasizes organic practices, requiring that funded gardens operate without synthetic fertilizers, toxic pesticides, or genetically modified seeds. Funding must be used strictly for the establishment, expansion, or ongoing maintenance of organically managed gardens within one year of award receipt. The funding scope for the 2026 cycle includes fifteen total awards, each valued at 3000 in local currency, distributed across two countries. Ten grants will be awarded to eligible organizations in the United States and five to organizations in Canada. Funds are restricted to expenses directly related to organic garden development and operations, including materials, tools, soil inputs, and programmatic support tied to food production. Costs unrelated to garden establishment or maintenance are not allowable. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this program. Eligibility is limited to registered nonprofit organizations in good standing within their respective jurisdictions. Applicants must operate or plan to operate an urban organic agriculture project that serves community feeding programs. Additional requirements include having secured land access and demonstrating adherence to organic growing standards. Organizations that have received a Gardens for Good grant between 2021 and 2025 are not eligible, while those awarded prior to 2021 may reapply. The program strongly encourages applications from gardens founded by and serving underrepresented or underserved communities. The application process is conducted entirely through the Gardens for Good online portal. Applicants must complete a submission form that includes organizational details and a written statement of up to 400 words describing their garden project, community impact, and intended use of funds. Only one application per organization is permitted. Submissions must be original and comply with all content requirements outlined in the official rules. No alternative submission methods are accepted. Applications for the 2026 cycle open on June 9 and close on July 7 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Following the submission deadline, entries undergo an evaluation period from July 8 through July 22. Projects are assessed based on three equally weighted criteria: the compelling and inspirational nature of the project narrative, the organization’s capacity to establish and sustain the garden, and the demonstrated need within the community served. Winners are notified between July 24 and July 27 and publicly announced on July 28. Award funds are distributed within approximately 60 days after completion of required documentation. The Gardens for Good program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring funding opportunities expected each year. While the performance period is not formally defined, recipients are required to utilize funds within one year of receipt. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the official email contact provided by the funder. Overall, the program represents a targeted investment in community-driven solutions to food insecurity, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, equity, and local impact.

Emphasize community impact and clearly demonstrate need while providing a compelling and inspirational narrative supported by realistic operational capacity