Best Community Garden Grants in Chicago

Find Best Community Garden Grants in Chicago – Community Garden Grants are very vital for the environment as it can provide more access to fresh food and also one of the best places for promoting physical activity. Community Gardens are the backbone for building a fresh and healthy community. However, if you are currently residing in Chicago then there is some good news for you as there are a number of Community Garden Grants available in Chicago.  If you are planning to create a community garden or enhance your existing garden then these grants can be really beneficial for your garden. Go through the article to know more about Chicago community garden grants, their eligibility and application.

Also Read: Community Garden Grants That Are Available in Washington

Key Takeaways

1. Several organizations offer grants specifically for community gardens in Chicago, such as Neighbor space, Chicago Community Trust, and Open lands, each providing financial support tailored to different aspects of garden development.
2. Eligibility for these grants generally requires affiliation with a nonprofit or community-based organization in Chicago. Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan for long-term garden stewardship.
3. Funding can be used for a range of needs including infrastructure improvements, educational programs, and sustainable agriculture practices, with grant amounts varying from $500 to over $100,000.
4. Prospective applicants should prepare a detailed budget, gather supportive documents like community endorsements and plans, and submit applications through designated portals or contact points provided by each grant program.
5. Successfully securing a grant requires careful planning, including researching applicable grants, preparing comprehensive project descriptions, and adhering to submission deadlines.

List of Community Garden Grants in Chicago

Go through the list to know about Chicago community garden grants that are available.

1. Neighborspace – Community Garden Grant in Chicago

Neighborspace is a non-profit trust that has come forward to help the community to protect, enhance and build open spaces in Chicago. Neighborspace has collaborated with various community groups to maintain and build parks, community gardens and other natural areas all around Chicago. However, the funding depends on specific needs for building any gardening project. They might offer financial support that can be used for fencing, raising beds or to get better water accessibility.

Who Can Apply for Neighborspace – Community Garden Grant ?

Nonprofit organizations, community groups and other neighborhood organizations in Chicago are eligible for Neighborspace – Community Garden Grant.  However, these groups must be engaging and community for building a long term stewardship and the garden must be located in Chicago.

How To Contact  Neighborspace – Community Garden Grant ?

• Phone: (312) 427-4256
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Neighborspace

2. Chicago Community Trust – Neighborhood Grants Program

The Chicago Community Trust’s Neighborhood Grants Program is another well known program that offers assistance to community gardens all around Chicago. If your garden is located in Chicago then you can take advantage of this program. The main focus of  Chicago Community Trust – Neighborhood Grants Program is to help the organizations that are operating at the grassroot level and thus providing them financial assistance to improve their community gardens. The grant amount that is offered ranges between $500 to $10,000.

Who Can Apply for Chicago Community Trust – Neighborhood Grants Program ?

Community based organizations including non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and community groups that have a budget under $500,000 can apply for this program. However, these community based organizations must be located in Chicago that includes Will, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage and Cook counties.

How To Contact Chicago Community Trust ?

• Phone: (312) 616-8000
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Chicago Community Trust, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601
• Website: Chicago Community Trust

3. Openlands – Green Region Grants in Chicago

The Green Region Grants in Chicago is another program that is monitored and administered by Openland. Openlands have collaborated with ComED, and thus provide financial assistance to local government, counties, township and municipalities. However, the main aim of the program is to promote community gardens, build better infrastructure and involve sustainable practices. The grant amount that is provided goes up to $10,000 per project, however it mainly depends on the type of project.

Who Can Apply for Openlands – Green Region Grants in Chicago ?

Non-profits, counties, townships, municipalities, government agencies that are located in ComEd’s service area are eligible to apply for this program. However, communities from areas like greater Chicago and Illinois are also eligible.

How To Contact Openlands ?

• Phone: (312) 863-6250
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Openlands, 25 E. Washington St., Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60602
• Website: Openlands – Green Region Grants

4. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is a program that is all over the United States. So, if your community garden is located in Chicago in the US then you can take assistance from SARE grants. This grant is mainly provided for building sustainable agriculture, improving education related to gardening, conducting research and much more.

There are mainly four types of grants that is offered under SARE:

Grant Name	Grant Amount
Farmer/ Rancher Grants	$10,000 to $20,000
Graduate Student Grants	$10,000 and $25,000.
Professional Development Grants	$20,000 to $100,000
Research and Education Grants	$100,000

Who Can Apply for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants ?

Individual Farmers, ranchers, graduate students, education, service providers, researchers can apply for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants. However, there are types of grants under SARE and thus they need to choose according to their type.

How To Contact Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants ?

• Website: SARE Grants
• Phone: (301) 405-8020
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: SARE Outreach, 1204 Symons Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742

5. LISC Chicago’s Small Grants Program

LISC Chicago’s Small Grants Program is another beneficial program that offers financial assistance to community organizations and groups that are operating at the grassroot level to build sustainable gardening projects. The main focus of the grant is to make impactful projects, build local leadership, community engagement, build and repair community gardens. The grant amount that is provided ranges from $500 to $5,000, however it depends on the impact of the project.

Who Can Apply for LISC Chicago’s Small Grants Program ?

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community groups with non-profit status and other neighborhood organizations located within Chicago can apply for LISC Chicago’s Small Grants Program. However, these organizations must focus on building community engagement and also sustainable gardening methods.

How To Contact LISC Chicago’s Small Grants Program ?

• Website: LISC Chicago
• Phone: (312) 422-9555
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: LISC Chicago, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2230, Chicago, IL 60603

6. The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program

The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program is another popular program in Chicago that offers help with community gardens for building better infrastructure. This program is mainly monitored and administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program offers financial assistance to improve water quality, build better infrastructure and also initiative innovative techniques in building a sustainable environment. In the past it is identified that the grant amount has ranged from  $75,000 to $3 million.

Who Can Apply for The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program ?

Units of local government, non profit organizations, countries, municipalities that are in Illinois, Chicago are eligible for the program. However, remember the projects that are based in Illinois are only eligible for the The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program.

How To Contact The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) Program ?

• Website: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
• Phone: (217) 782-6302
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271

Also Read: Check The Community Garden Grants in Worcester County

How To Apply for Chicago Community Garden Grants ? 

When you are looking to apply for Community Garden Grants in Chicago, then you need to follow some of the basic steps mentioned below:

Step 1 : Research The Grants

In the first step, it is important to research the list of grants that are available in Chicago. You need to choose the grant that can fulfill the needs of your community garden. It is also important to check whether your community garden fulfills the eligibility criteria of the identified grant.

Step 2 : Prepare Your Budget

In the next step you need to prepare a detailed budget where you are going to spend the grant amount that you will be receiving. It is also vital to outline the goals and objectives of your project to build a community garden. It is also needed to define how the garden is going to help the community.

Step 3 : Prepare Supporting Documents

In the next step you need to prepare a set of documents that includes details about the organization, objective, mission and other related information. Apart from that letters of support from community members, local leaders and partner organizations are also required. It is also required to include photographs, maps and site plan that describes your garden location.

Step 4 : Fill Up and Submit The  Application Form

You need to follow the instructions carefully and then fill up the application form from the grant providers website. However, remember to provide the specific details that are asked in the application form and make sure you proofread the application. After that submit the application form and make sure you are submitting it before the deadline.

Step 5 : Wait for Response

In the last step you need to wait for the response of the grant provider. Once you have submitted the application you might receive an email or receipt for applying. However, you need to wait for their response if your project has been chosen or not. If your project gets selected you will be notified via email.

Also Read: Check Out The Eligibility for Urban Farming Grants

Conclusion

Chicago Community Garden Grants offer a fantastic opportunity that helps in enhancing and improving your garden. The listed grants do provide the financial support to existing gardens or for creating a new garden. However you need to conduct a little research that will help you in getting the right grant to build a community garden.

As a lot of expenses are involved in maintaining or creating a community garden, these grants come handy. However, it is vital for the groups to be eligible for the grant and also follow the application procedure carefully. To know more about Community Garden Grants visit https://grantsbuddy.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the benefits of Chicago Community Garden Grants?

Community Gardens does offer a number of benefits that includes building a better community engagement, improving physical activity, providing access to fresh food etc.

How much funding can I get from a community garden grant?

Grant amounts vary depending on the program, but typically range from $500 to $100,000.

Who is eligible to apply for a community garden grant?

Eligibility requirements vary by program, but non-profit organizations, community groups, and local governments are most commonly eligible.

What steps should I take to apply for a community garden grant?

It is important to research the list of available grants and choose the one that is suitable for your community garden project. You also need to prepare a plan that aligns with your existing budget or grant amount. Also gather the required documents and submit the application before the deadline.