Community Gardens Matching Fund

The mission of The Sustany® Foundation is achieved by funding innovative projects that promote sustainability in Tampa Bay, including community gardens. Promoting sustainable food projects, like community gardens improves access to fresh produce, especially in neighborhoods with limited access, known as “food deserts”.

 

Seed to Sustenance logo

New Partnership to Promote Community Garden Start-Ups

The Sustany® Foundation has partnered with the Coalition of Community Gardens—Tampa Bay to establish a Community Garden Matching Fund, Seed to Sustenance, to support the start up of local community gardens. We are currently seeking applicants.

Who is eligible to request start-up funds?

A group of people who wish to garden together may request matching funds from The Sustany® Foundation once they have completed the ten steps outlined in the American Community Gardening publication, Ten Steps to Starting A Community Garden. The group must be a non-profit organization or have established community partnerships/sponsorships with a non-profit organization, garden club, church, school, civic association, or homeowner’s association.

 

Applicants in the following Florida counties will be considered:

  • Hillsborough
  • Pasco
  • Pinellas
  • Manatee

How much funding is available?

The group may request a matching amount of up to $600. A small raised bed garden can be started with as little as $1,000 to $1,200 depending on the quality of the lumber purchased. That includes the lumber, irrigation, soil, wheelbarrow, rakes, hoe, shovels, hand tools, and start-up plants.

Timeline

Funds may be requested 2 – 6 months prior to the date that the project will be initiated. A final report is due to The Sustany® Foundation 12 months after receiving the funds, describing the completed project, a list of the expenditures, and the impact to the community.

What you need to get started

The application requires the following:

  • Explanation of your organization, the proposed project, your budget
  • Uploaded copy of 501(c)3 document, including date and place of incorporation (one-year minimum preferred) OR verification of institution status as a school, civic organization, faith-based organization, garden club, or homeowner’s association
  • Uploaded list of current Board Members
  • Uploaded complete current budget
  • Uploaded completed ten steps to starting a community garden (Word doc)