Budgeting and Funding for Your School Garden

Creating and stustaining a school garden takes access to funding and materials. Discover many wyas to secure both at the Seed Money section of this site. There you'll find everyting from Grow to Learn Mini-Grants, to in-kind support form GreenThumb. Please note the registration with the Citywide School gardens Initiative is required to be eligiable for all Grow to Learn NYC funding resources.

go to Seed Money now to explore all funding opportunities >

go to Register My School now to take the first step in gaining access to Grow to Learn NYC resources >

Creating a School Garden Budget

Creating a budget for your school garden will allow you to realistically assess its shape and future, track the garden’s progress, and show administrators and potential funders that you have done research and are ready to get to work.
 
In creating a budget, make sure to strike a balance between preparing the garden for any unforeseen circumstances – don’t just buy one shovel – and creating an affordable budget that has a good chance of being funded.  Common budget line items include lumber for raised beds, soil, mulch, tools (shovels, trowels, gloves), seeds, watering supplies, and plants.  Consider renting expensive equipment like power tools instead of buying them.
 
Our School Gardens Budget and Supplies Worksheet can help you figure out need supplies and the funds you'll need to pay for them. And our Garden Supplies List will help you figure out the supplies you need to create and teach in your garden.

Scroll down for both.