Therapeutic Garden Grant Program

The Therapeutic Garden Grant Program is administered by the National Garden Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting gardening and the benefits of plant-based engagement to both gardeners and non-gardeners. Established in 2014, this philanthropic initiative supports the creation, expansion, and sustainability of therapeutic gardens across North America. The program reflects the organization’s broader mission to highlight the healing, educational, and social benefits of gardening, particularly for individuals and communities facing physical, emotional, or social challenges. The grant program is funded collaboratively by National Garden Bureau and its member organizations, including Sakata Seed America, Ball Horticultural Company, and American Meadows. These partners contribute to the program’s funding pool and share a common commitment to advancing community wellness, environmental engagement, and education through horticulture. The initiative emphasizes the therapeutic impact of gardening, supporting programs that integrate horticulture into rehabilitation, occupational therapy, education, and community development. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations operating established therapeutic garden programs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that their garden has been operational for at least one year and that there is a long-term commitment to maintaining the garden at its current location for a minimum of five years. Programs must incorporate structured therapeutic goals such as horticultural therapy, life skills development, job training, or social engagement. Applicants must also have a Registered Horticulture Therapist or Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner involved in the program either as staff or in an advisory role. Funding for the program totals 7500 dollars annually and is distributed among five selected recipients. After an initial review process, five finalist gardens are chosen by a judging committee. These finalists then participate in a public voting phase by submitting a one-minute video showcasing their program. Final award amounts are determined based on voting results, with a first-place prize of 3000 dollars, a second-place prize of 1500 dollars, and three additional awards of 1000 dollars each. Funds are intended to support program expansion, enhancement of therapeutic activities, or continued operations. The application process requires organizations to submit detailed information about their therapeutic garden program. Applicants must provide five original photographs of their garden, a description of the population served, program goals, the number of individuals impacted monthly, and a plan for how grant funds will be used. Additional required details include organizational information, program structure, and qualifications of the horticulture therapist associated with the program. Finalists must later produce a one-minute video highlighting their work for the public voting phase. The timeline for the program includes a final application deadline of July 1, with finalist notifications occurring in mid-August. Finalists are required to submit their videos by the end of August, followed by a public voting period in September. Winners are notified in early October, and grant funds are distributed shortly thereafter. The program is offered annually, providing recurring opportunities for eligible organizations to apply and benefit from funding and national recognition.

Ensure strong documentation of therapeutic impact and population served; highlight qualifications of horticulture therapist; clearly explain how funds will expand or sustain the program