How much funding does The Hamilton Award provide?

The Hamilton Award provides $1,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for The Hamilton Award?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

How often is The Hamilton Award offered?

The Hamilton Award runs on an annual cycle.

The Hamilton Award

American Public Gardens Association

Foundation Annual Professional Development Grants

Funding Amount

$1,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Other requirements

Professional horticulturists
Those working in the horticulture field

Overview

The Hamilton Award

Award Amount: $1,000 cash prize

Recurrence: Annual

Overview: The Hamilton Award is presented each year to recognize an unsung hero, a quiet leader, or patient mentor in the field of professional horticulture. It honors tremendously impactful, though often understated, contributions to the horticultural field.

Named For: Dr. Bruce Hamilton, Director Emeritus, Rutgers Gardens

Award Criteria:

Recognizes selflessness and helping others advance

Honors those who place personal ambition aside for the greater good

Ideal nominee is not involved with horticulture for personal gain

Motivated by love of plants and dedication to advancement of plant lovers

Recognizes patient mentoring and quiet leadership

Eligibility:

Professional horticulturists

Those working in the horticulture field

Selection Method:

Nomination-based award

Call for nominations issued annually

Contact Information:

American Public Gardens Association

Phone: 610-708-3010

Email: info@publicgardens.org

Address: 1207 Delaware Ave #350, Wilmington, DE 19806

How to Apply

Application Process

Selection Method: Nomination-based

Nominations are solicited annually
Award presented at APGA Annual Conference

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What American Public Gardens Association actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 32
Total given: $619K
Median grant: $20K
Range: $6,180–$37K

By dollars: California 14%, Texas 10%, Georgia 10%. Top recipient cities: Phoenix, AZ; Atlanta, GA; Kalaheo, HI.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

National Tropical Botanic Garden · Kalaheo, HI

Support urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food growing programs

$37K
Trees Atlanta · Atlanta, GA

Support urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food growing programs

$27K
Missouri Botanical Garden · St Louis, MO

Support urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food growing programs

$25K
Gardens of Golden Gate Park · San Francisco, CA

Support urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food growing programs

$25K
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont · Charlottesville, VA

Support urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food growing programs

$25K