Seedlings for Schools (SFS) Grants

Seedlings for Schools Grants

Program Overview:
The Seedlings for Schools (SFS) program provides wildflower plants, gardening guidance, and online teaching resources to pre-K to high school teachers across Florida. The program began in 2009 as Seeds for Schools (providing native wildflower seeds) and transitioned to live plants in 2015 to provide more immediate learning experiences.

Geographic Scope:
Floorida statewide; grants awarded to schools across multiple counties

Focus Areas:

• Creating outdoor learning gardens for students
• Teaching Florida native wildflowers and native plants
• Supporting pollinator habitat (particularly butterfly gardens)
• Providing hands-on nature education aligned with Florida State Standards in language arts, math, and science
• Teaching about plant life cycles, food chains, ecosystems, plant adaptation, and diversity

Eligibility:

• Pre-K to high school teachers
• Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools
• Magnet and charter schools
• Special educational centers
• Must have a dedicated garden area on school property
• Must provide garden photos and complete online survey about grant experience

What's Included:

• Native Florida wildflower plants (approximately $50 value in 2017; up to 20 plants)
• Expert gardening guidance from the Foundation
• Curriculum resources including the Wild About Wildflowers! Activity Guide
• Fall plant delivery with eligibility for additional plants in spring if gardens are successful

Program Impact:
Has provided more than 500 grants to teachers. Recent years awarded 30-43 grants annually across 16-23 counties.

Background:
Gardens are maintained year-round with support from parent volunteers, Master Gardeners, Florida Native Plant Society members, and local garden clubs. Gardens range from wood "grow" boxes to small in-ground sites outside classrooms, beside vegetable gardens, or in school courtyards.