About
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a garden grant opportunity for 2024 aimed at Union County’s Community Gardens. The Union County Means Green community garden grant program provides new opportunities for improved nutrition, education, recreation, social activities and volunteer service in local neighborhoods through the experience of growing food.
This year the Union County Commissioner Board is committed to continue investing in educational opportunities that promote hands on learning, creativity, and social activities around the garden. It is through this grant; our community partners will be given the tools to expand their garden and continue to provide a social space, as well as a vehicle for learning.
This program is open to non-profit organizations and municipal entities.
All 2024 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
Schedule
Applications for 2024 are now being accepted. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Applicants will be notified of their award shortly thereafter.
Who May Apply
Funding is available to existing non-profit organizations and municipal entities throughout Union County.
Projects will be chosen based on need, scope, population served and readiness to proceed.
What the Grants Cover
This grant program covers produce gardens including vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, herbs and spices, pollinator-attracting plants and plants for pest management. It does not cover ornamental plants or non-producing gardens. Projects must be current initiatives, and all funding awarded must be expended by December 31, 2024. There is no ability to extend beyond this deadline
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.
Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date.
Option 2: ADA Raised Garden Bed - limited supply 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.
Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date
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.
The grant cannot be used for decorative items, food/drink, advertising/outreach, etc.
Option 4: Educational Growth – Max award $350
Option 4 provides a grant award for programs and experiences that foster understanding, deepens knowledge, and promotes educational opportunities to expand awareness of STEM programming related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability to the community.
Project Based Learning: Creative, STEM- integrated, educational garden programming serving residents in Union County.
Examples include science fairs, farm to table cooking demonstrations and activities, lectures and workshops related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability.
Garden Qualifications
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.
Gardens must agree to set aside 30% of their harvest for community donation.
Gardens are required to submit pictures through ucnj.org/plant-a-seed-blog/submit-progress-reports/ on a monthly basis commencing after their planting date.
Failure to comply with the above commitments gives the County of Union the right to seek a return of any and all funds paid and will affect future funding requests.
Educational Programming Qualifications
The County of Union must approve the project prior to the grant award being released.