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

February 15, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $1,500 per garden for operations; $300 mini-grants for supplies.

Supports nonprofits and community groups in Central Ohio to create, maintain, or expand community gardens and greenspaces, enhancing food access, education, and neighborhood well-being.

Not open to individuals; fiscal sponsor required if not a 501(c)(3).

--- ## Description The Community Garden Grants program provides financial and material resources to organizations committed to transforming underused land into thriving community gardens and greenspaces in Central Ohio. The grants support both new and existing gardens, with a focus on increasing access to healthy, affordable, local food, fostering education, and enhancing community well-being—particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods. Eligible projects may include community gardens, school gardens, pollinator gardens, and beautification efforts, all designed to benefit groups rather than individuals. --- ## Due Dates - February 15, 2026: Full application deadline (application closes) - Notification of awards: March 3, 2026 - Final reports due: Late November 2026 (specific date provided upon award) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $1,500 per garden to support day-to-day operations (personnel costs not eligible) - $300 mini-grant for garden operation needs (e.g., product, soil, tools) - No donated product event in spring 2026 Funds are distributed the week following award notifications. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status - Gardens must be located within the Columbus city limits (for City of Columbus grants) or within Franklin County (for Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation grants) - Eligible projects: community gardens, school gardens, pollinator gardens, and neighborhood beautification projects - Projects must be completed within one calendar year of funding - Garden must benefit a group of people, not individuals - Landowner acknowledgment required (including Land Bank if applicable) --- ## Application Process - Applications open January 15, 2026, and must be submitted by February 15, 2026 - Application link will be posted on the program page - Proposals must include details on garden impact, sustainability plan, project budget, and parcel ID for location verification - Landowner acknowledgment form required - Notification of decisions via email by March 3, 2026 - Grant funds distributed the following week - Final reports required by late November 2026 --- ## Additional Information - Ongoing personnel costs and utility bills are not eligible expenses - Requests for resources for cooking demonstrations/classes are allowed if tied to healthy eating education - Fiscal sponsor checks will be made out to the sponsor, who is responsible for releasing funds to the garden group - Prior experience and a strong relationship with the fiscal sponsor is advised --- ## 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 Home](https://columbusfoundation.org) - [Deadlines & Open Houses](https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/deadlines-open-houses) - [Nonprofit Toolkit](https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/nonprofit-toolkit) - [Franklin County Auditor Parcel Lookup](http://www.franklincountyauditor.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-------------------|------------------------------------|--------------| | Stefanie Coffman | scoffman@columbusfoundation.org | 614/251-4000 | For general inquiries: [Contact Columbus Foundation](https://columbusfoundation.org/contact)

Community Garden Grants - Columbus Foundation

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