The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new garden grant opportunity for 2023 aimed at rebuilding, replenishing and regrowing Union County’s existing raised-bed Community Gardens originally created for improved nutrition, education, recreation, social activities and volunteer service in local neighborhoods through the experience of growing food.
The Union County Commissioner Board understands the impact of the pandemic and is committed to continue investing in our communities. It is through this grant that our community partners with existing raised bed gardens will be given the tools to recover from unforeseeable circumstances and rebuild for the future.
This program is open to existing non-profit organizations and municipal entities with raised bed gardens, funded through the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant Program.
All 2023 applicants meeting the established criteria will be considered based upon the thoroughness of the completed application, the number of applications received overall, and the locations of the communities served.
Provided by the Union County Board of County Commissioners
Chairman Sergio Granados
Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded
Commissioner James E. Baker, Jr.
Commissioner Joseph Bodek
Commissioner Dr. Angela R. Garretson
Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski
Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon
Commissioner Alexander Mirabella
Commissioner Rebecca Williams
How to Apply
Please use the submission form below.
Paper submission will only be accepted with advance notice.
Applications must be received by Friday, March 17, 2023, with notification of awards to follow. There will be a mandatory kickoff event. The date will be announced during the application review period
IMPORTANT! BEFORE YOU APPLY…If your organization does not own the garden site, please provide written permission from the property owner to use the site.
Grant Options
You can select only one of the following two options
Option 1: Refresh an Existing Raised Bed Garden ($750) – Option 1 provides a simple, economical way to start a new garden or expand an existing garden. As grant administrator, the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth provides a complete garden package including installation of two galvanized steel planting beds along with soil, seeds or seedlings, tools, materials and follow-up support. Note: Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date.
Option 2: Garden Enhancement ($500) – Option 2 provides 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. The grant cannot be used for decorative items, food/drink, advertising/outreach, etc.
Garden Qualifications
Existing raised bed gardens must be located on property at least 16’x12’, with 20’x14’ preferable, receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight daily with available water supply.
As agreed to in previous Union County Means Green Community Garden grant opportunities, grantees must agree to donate a portion of the harvest to the community and provide a year-end garden summary including an estimate (in pounds) of produce harvested.
Must also agree to enroll in Come Grow With Us!, a free countywide information and resource sharing network for community gardens. Come Grow With Us! is a program of Groundwork Elizabeth.