[Columbus Foundation](https://columbusfoundation.org)

February 15, 2026 (Community Garden Grants full application submission deadline)

Up to $1,500 for operations per grant; additional $300 mini-grant available for garden needs; one-year grant period.

Supports organizations in Central Ohio to create, expand, or sustain community gardens and greenspaces that promote healthy food access, education, and community well-being.

--- ## Description The Community Garden Grants program, administered by the Columbus Foundation, offers financial and material support to organizations dedicated to transforming underused land into vibrant community gardens and greenspaces. The grants focus on increasing access to healthy, affordable, and local food in under-resourced neighborhoods, fostering food production education, and enhancing community well-being through environmental stewardship, social connection, and neighborhood beautification. Funding is available for both new and existing gardens, including school, pollinator, and beautification gardens, to establish, maintain, or expand community spaces that nourish both people and the environment in Central Ohio. --- ## Due Dates - February 15, 2026: Community Garden Grants full application submission deadline (application closes) Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by March 3, 2026. Final reports for funded projects are due in late November 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $1,500 per grant to assist with day-to-day operations of community gardens (excluding ongoing personnel costs) - Additional $300 mini-grant available for garden operation needs such as products, soil, and tools - Grant period: One calendar year from the date of award - Note: There will not be a donated product event in spring 2026 --- ## Eligibility - Open to both new and existing gardens and greenspaces (community, school, pollinator, and beautification gardens) - Applicant must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or have a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor - Project location must be: - Within Columbus city limits (for City of Columbus funding), or - Within Franklin County (for Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation funding) - Must be able to complete the project within one year of the application date - Gardens must benefit a group or community, not individuals - Application must include: - Parcel ID for the garden site (verify via [Franklin County Auditor](http://www.franklincountyauditor.com/)) - Landowner acknowledgment form signed by the property owner or Land Bank representative (if applicable) --- ## Application Process - Applications open January 15, 2026 and close February 15, 2026 - Submit applications through the [online grant portal](http://www.grantinterface.com/sl/plPZcT) - Required documentation: - Project/garden details and intended community impact - Budget and sustainability plan - Parcel ID and signed landowner acknowledgment - Award notifications sent by March 3, 2026 - Grant funds distributed within a week of notification - Final reports due in late November 2026 via the application platform --- ## Additional Information - Personnel costs and utility bills are not eligible for funding - Requests for cooking demonstration/class materials are allowed if directly tied to healthy eating education - Fiscal sponsors must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and are responsible for receiving and disbursing funds - Prior experience and a strong relationship with the fiscal sponsor are recommended - The grant prioritizes projects with clear food production, educational, and community impact goals --- ## External Links - [Community Garden Grants program page](https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/grant-opportunities/columbus-foundation-grants/operating-and-program-support/community-garden-grants) - [Columbus Foundation Deadlines & Open Houses](https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/deadlines-open-houses) - [Franklin County Auditor Parcel Search](http://www.franklincountyauditor.com/) - [Online Application Portal](http://www.grantinterface.com/sl/plPZcT) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------| | Stefanie Coffman | scoffman@columbusfoundation.org | 614-251-4000 | | General Inquiries | contactus@columbusfoundation.org | 614-251-4000 | For more program details or application questions, contact Stefanie Coffman directly.

Community Garden Grants

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