Best Garden Grants for Nonprofits

Nonprofits, schools, community gardens, and seed libraries in the U.S. can receive donated seeds to support horticulture and gardening projects that freely share seeds and produce. Focused on community and educational gardening, Seed Savers Exchange invites eligible organizations to apply, including those running garden programs that enhance green spaces and food access.

Nonprofits, NGOs, public schools, and government entities in the U.S. seeking to establish charitable orchards can receive fruit trees, supplies, and training support. Fruit Tree Planting Foundation supports horticulture and gardening by donating orchard installations, design expertise, irrigation and fencing subsidies, and educational workshops for community, school, and other mission-driven planting sites.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm Companies Foundation provides U.S. educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies with funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Organizations running projects in areas like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, food insecurity, or STEM education may be eligible, including those whose garden or green space programs advance these priorities.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofits, local organizations, and Treasure Valley schools in Idaho seeking support for horticulture, gardening, and related community programs can receive in-kind event vouchers and garden memberships. Grants from Idaho Botanical Garden help groups focused on education, cultural arts, environmental stewardship, public events, and support for military families and first responders; requests must be submitted one month before events.

Schools and educational nonprofits in the monarch butterfly’s U.S. breeding range can receive free milkweed plugs from Monarch Watch to establish or expand habitat restoration gardens. Projects with clear educational goals, at least 100 square feet of garden space, long-term maintenance plans, and administrative support may be prioritized, benefiting horticulture, gardening, and ecosystem restoration efforts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Public food garden projects such as community, school, youth, and food bank gardens in the U.S. and worldwide can secure crowdfunding-based support and US $100 - US $1,000 challenge grants to expand garden programs. Grants from Seedmoney help horticulture and gardening nonprofits and groups launch or strengthen food access and garden initiatives through a 30-day online fundraising challenge.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Nonprofits, schools, and other tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. can apply for $750 to $1,500 to start or expand youth gardens and greenspaces serving at least 15 children. ScottsMiracle-Gro and KidsGardening prioritize under-resourced communities and larger youth programs, offering additional specialty awards for projects with higher needs, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color.

KAB affiliates planning litter cleanups, plantings, or community beautification projects in the U.S. can apply for Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup Grants, with awards up to Up to US $5,000. With a mission to improve and beautify community environments, Keep America Beautiful provides affiliates with cleanup kits and small cash grants that may support garden and green space initiatives.

Nonprofits, local governments, Keep America Beautiful affiliates, and community groups in U.S. neighborhoods along or near MLK corridors can apply for $5,000 - $20,000 to revitalize and beautify public spaces. Focused on community improvement, Keep America Beautiful invites projects like gardens, green spaces, tree plantings, and public art that create lasting, vibrant places.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on horticulture, gardening, and related youth and family programs in the U.S. can access funding for community gardens, beautification, and environmental stewardship projects. Chick Fil A Foundation provides US $30,000 - US $350,000 True Inspiration Awards to support initiatives in food access, housing, education, and caring for the planet.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with local garden, horticulture, or community green space projects can access funding through Kubota’s Hometown Proud Grant Program, with awards up to Up to US $50,000. Grants combine cash and Kubota equipment to support community gardens, parks, playgrounds, and other community-led beautification and revitalization efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and other tax-exempt groups in the U.S. planning intergenerational gardens can apply for KidsGardening’s Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant, awarding US $750 in cash and supplies. With a mission to help kids learn through gardening, KidsGardening provides support for under-resourced communities serving at least 15 youth and seniors.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits partnered with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based programs that support veterans’ physical and mental health. Focused on outdoor recreation and public green spaces, the National Environmental Education Foundation funds services, materials, administrative costs, and labor for projects on accessible public lands, including community gardens and urban green spaces.

Nonprofits, schools, religious and other tax-exempt organizations in the U.S. can receive US $20,000 to turn vacant lots into community gardens serving under-resourced neighborhoods. Grants from KidsGardening help garden and greening projects that engage at least fifteen participants and demonstrate strong community need and impact, including horticulture and gardening initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services in Regions Bank’s multi-state footprint may be eligible for employee matching gifts. Focused on charitable giving, Regions Bank invites U.S. organizations, including those running garden or food security programs, to benefit from associates’ matched donations.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in the Regions Bank footprint working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, disabilities, or related horticulture and gardening initiatives can access up to US $1,000 in matching gifts. Eligible groups benefit when recent Regions retirees request a donation match to support their programs.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. with strong, collaborative community partnerships can receive recognition and support for impactful social initiatives through the Community Partnership Award. Mutual of America Foundation honors exemplary cross-sector partnerships that improve communities and can be replicated or scaled. Garden and horticulture nonprofits with robust community collaborations may be competitive applicants.