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.
The application period for our 2023 Mini-grants has closed. Applications for 2024 Mini-Grants will open January 1, 2024, with a submission deadline of February 15, 2024. Watch for application info coming soon.
New in 2024! Community Garden Start-Up Grants
We are excited to announce that, in addition to our mini-grants for established community gardens, we will be 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 submit a completed garden planning document as part of the application process, and preference will be given to gardens for which a representative has attended our January 27th Community Garden Start-up workshop. Application period will open January 1, 2024 and submission deadline will be February 15, 2024. Watch here for more details, coming soon.
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.