Finding the financing for community projects can often be the most intimidating part of the process. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations looking to help community groups improve their neighborhoods, often on a very small, localized scale. Many of these organizations will even walk applicants through the process and put help put the applicant in the best possible position to receive the award. Here are five grants that can be used to help develop greenspace in your community:
National Park Service Community Assistance in Conservation and Recreation Grants
The National Park Service provides grants for projects which promote healthy parks, develop and improve connections to parks and greenways within urban areas and a number of other conservation and park based projects. Applications are accepted from state and local agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, and community citizen groups.
Application deadline is August 1 but the National Park Service offers consulting and application guidance and suggests that those interested in applying for grants contact them upwards of a year in advance to begin the process. To learn more about the National Park Service Community Assistance in Conservation and Recreation Grants, click here.
Scotts Miracle Gro Gro1000 Grants
Scotts Miracle Grow has committed to developing 1000 community green spaces and gardens by 2018. To do so they are offering grants of up to $1,500 to non-profit organizations “helping to foster community spirit and public service.” According to their website, “Grassroots Grants are awarded to local communities to help bring edible gardens, flower gardens and public green spaces to neighborhoods across the United States.”
Applications for 2016 will be accepted from Jan. 1-Feb. 19 2016. To learn more about the Scotts Gro1000 grants, click here.
National Association of Realtors; Placemaking Micro Grant
NAR’s Placemaking Micro Grant offers up to two grants ranging from $500-$2,000 to state and local Realtor Associations per year. Past recipient projects include nature paths, community gardens, parklets and miniparks. Applications are accepted year round and requests are answered within 10 days. In order to apply, community groups will need to partner with local Realtors. NAR asks for before/after photos submitted within three months of receiving the grant. For more information on NAR’s Placemaking Micro Grants, click here or here.
Home Depot Foundation Community Impact Grants
Home Depot offers grants of up to $5,000 in the form of gift cards to “IRS-registered 501c designated organizations and tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community.” Gift cards can be used to purchase tools, materials and services. Priority is given to projects helping veterans and their families and veterans volunteering to help other veterans. This includes planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities that serve veterans
Applications are accepted online only and are answered within six weeks of applying. Projects need to be completed within six months of receiving grant. For more information on the Home Depot Foundation Community Impact Grants, click here.
Wells Fargo Community Investment Grants
Wells Fargo offers a number of state based grants for environment preservation, education and community revitalization. Grants and funding varies from state to state. For a directory of Wells Fargo Community Investment grant programs, click here.
These are just a few of the many grants available for community green space development. Planning and applying now can help ensure the success of your project in the coming year.
This post is part of an ongoing series of Nature Sacred articles highlighting resources to help communities build and develop urban green space.
