The impact of garden-based education is clear, and the Union County Board of County Commissioners are pleased to once again offer a garden grant program to Pre-K through 12th grade schools in Union County.
Donor Name: County of Union
State: New Jersey
County: Union County (NJ)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/08/2024
Size of the Grant: Less than $1000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Studies show that when children engage in gardening programs as a part of their school curriculum, health outcomes are improved, school performance is increased, pro-environmental attitudes evolve, and social and emotional interactions benefit.
This year the Board of County Commissioners has expanded the grant to cover educational programming and experiences related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability. Through this grant option, Union County will continue to invest in a STEM based education that fosters creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the youth.
Grant Options
- Option 1: Raised Garden Bed for new gardens only
- Option 1 provides a simple, economical way to start a new garden.
- As grant administrator, the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth provides a complete garden package including installation of one galvanized steel planting beds along with soil, seeds or seedlings, tools, materials and follow-up support.
- Option 2: ADA Raised Garden Bed – A limited supply is available
- Option 2 provides a simple, economical way to expand an existing garden.
- This raised-bed makes gardening possible for individuals who are wheelchair bound or unable to kneel.
- As grant administrator, the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth provides a complete garden package including installation of one ADA Raised Garden bed along with soil, seeds or seedlings, tools, materials and follow-up support.
- Option 3: Garden Enhancement
- Option 3 provides a grant award for equipment needed to complete a new garden, or enhance an existing garden.
- Qualifying purchases include irrigation, soil, seeds or seedlings, plants, fencing, tools, benches/tables (for social engagement and education), storage bins and sheds.
- Option 4: Educational Growth – Max award $350
- Option 4 provides a grant award for programs and experiences that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge, and provide educational opportunities to expand awareness of STEM programming related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability.
- Project Based Learning: Creative, STEM- integrated, educational garden programming.
- Afterschool STEM: Projects and programming that focus on extra-curricular learning, including food science, science fairs, farm to table cooking demonstrations, labs and workshops related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability.
- Out-of-School STEM: Creative STEM experiences out of the classroom to better prepare students for STEM work in the classroom and in the workforce.
Who may apply?
- Funding is available to Pre-K through 12th grade schools throughout the County of Union.
- Projects will be chosen based on need, scope, population served and readiness to proceed.
- Joint School Projects will be accepted based on coordination and approval by the Office of Open Space, Recreation & Historical Preservation Trust Fund.
For more information, visit County of Union.
