Community Gardens Project
Forecasted
Community Gardens Project supports rural and tribal North Dakota communities in developing gardens that increase fresh-food access, improve nutrition and physical activity, and strengthen social connections.
Funder: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Year-one funding: $300,000 total; approximately 10 awards of $30,000 each; potential annual renewal for up to five years
Summary: Supports community gardens serving rural and tribal North Dakota residents to improve fresh-food access, nutrition, physical activity and social connection.
Key Information: Proposals must incorporate all six garden components: people, plan, place, policies, publicity and preparation.
Description
The Community Gardens Project is a competitive funding opportunity administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services through its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Under Initiative 1: Make North Dakota Healthy Again, it supports locally driven efforts to develop and deliver community gardens where residents collaborate to plant and grow food. Gardens may also provide hands-on learning in biology, nutrition and math.
The program seeks to increase access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, improve eating habits and physical activity, enhance mental well-being, and strengthen volunteering and community connections. Projects must explain how they will incorporate six foundations for effective gardens: engaged people, a clear plan, an accessible location with reliable water, supportive policies, community publicity and site preparation. Broader goals include healthier community policies, systems and environments and reductions in chronic disease, disability and premature mortality.
