Although gardening does not have to be expensive, sometimes gardens need to purchase little things like tools, soil amendments, or watering systems. And sometimes, the needs are bigger for things like water line connections, raised beds or containers, or fencing. When we have sufficient resources to do so, Topeka Common Ground offers annual mini-grants to our Affiliate Gardens to help cover the costs. The Jerrie Ross Memorial Grant fund has also been established to help support area community gardens. And, we’re always on the lookout for other grants and funding sources that local community gardens might be able to take advantage of.
Topeka Common Ground Mini-Grants
TCG mini-grants are small grants ($50 – $250) that can be used to fund a variety of garden needs or projects. They are offered once per year (depending upon available funds), in late winter so that funding can be available early in the garden season. To be eligible, applicant gardens must sign up as a Topeka Common Ground Affiliate Garden, complete and submit a grant application by the application deadline, and agree to provide a brief report summarizing how the funds were used.
Our mini-grants can be used to help cover the costs of any community garden needs – access to water, hoses, soil amendments, tools, raised bed frames, compost bins, signage, fencing, etc. The application is short and simple. Please let us know what you need that we may be able to assist with.
Applications for 2026 Mini-Grants are now being accepted! Submission deadline is February 10, 2026.
To apply, download and complete the application form, and then email it to us at topekacommonground@gmail.com.
Community Garden Start-Up Grants
We are excited to announce that, in addition to our mini-grants for established community gardens, we are now offering a limited number of start-up grants (up to $500 each) to new Community Gardens located in Shawnee County. Applicant gardens will be required to answer detailed questions showing evidence of a comprehensive garden start-up plan as part of the application process.
Applications for 2026 Start-Up Grants are now being accepted! Submission deadline is February 10, 2026.
To apply, download and complete the application form, and then email it to us at topekacommonground@gmail.com.
Other Funding Opportunities
Topeka Common Ground is always on the lookout for funding opportunities that our community gardens might be able to take advantage of. For a list of funding sources and opportunities, check out our “Resources” page on this website.