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. 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 our youth.
All applicants meeting the established criteria will be considered based upon completed application, number of applications received, and locations of 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 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.
What the Grants Cover
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. The planting date will require the grantees to have students readily available to plant alongside Groundwork Elizabeth and the Board of County Commissioners. Students must have signed media release consent forms prior to the planting date.
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.
Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date. The planting date will require the grantees to have students readily available to plant alongside Groundwork Elizabeth and the Board of County Commissioners. Students must have signed media release consent forms prior to the 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, 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.
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.