Openlands School Garden Growth Grant

Geographic Scope: Chicago region schools in Openlands' network (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties)

Focus Areas:

• Support for existing school gardens
• Garden activation as living laboratories for students
• Community connection through school gardens

Eligibility:

• School must be part of Openlands' network through Building School Gardens program or Space to Grow
• Schools with high enthusiasm and high need are prioritized

What Funds Support:

• Plants and seeds
• Tools
• Soil and soil amendments
• Replacing old benches
• Replacing garden beds
• Supplies for activating garden space through art, STEM, SEL, nature play
• Optional: Openlands garden support session (garden team check-ins, garden tips, hands-on support)

Implementation:

• Funds distributed via Class Wallet digital wallet
• All funds must be spent by end of June
• Funds received within 2-3 weeks of selection

Additional Resources: Openlands maintains a page with additional school garden grants from other organizations.

Application Process

1. Submission: Fill out application form
2. Deadline: February 1st each year
3. Notification: Status notification at end of February
4. Fund Distribution: Selected schools work with Openlands to set up Class Wallet account
5. Timeline: Funds received within 2-3 weeks of selection
6. Spending Deadline: All funds must be spent by end of June

Required Materials

• Application form (link available on program page during application period)
• Plan for activating gardens as living laboratories
• Information about school-community connection plans

Note

The application for the current year (2026) is closed. Applications typically open in January each year.