Garden Grant Application 2026
Request for a 2026 “Growing Together” Grant
Name of your organization ____________________________________________________________________________
The organization must be associated with a non-profit or civic group – grants cannot be made to an individual.
Contact Name __________________________ Phone _____________ Email _________________________
In what area of the county is your proposed garden located? ________________________________________________
Do you have an approved place for your garden for 3 or more years? _________________________________________
Does that require a written lease or usage agreement? _____________________________________________________
If so, please attach documentation. If not, explain how you will ensure that your garden space will be available for 3 or more years.
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When could you begin construction? ___________________________________________________________________
Do you hope to start with a summer 2026 garden or a fall 2026 garden? _______________________________________
What do you hope to accomplish with your community garden? Why is this important to your group? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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Name some of the materials (and costs) that you will need to purchase. Is protection from wildlife an issue? How will you address this? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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How will you find people to participate in the garden? Name other key people involved in the project.
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What is the total estimated cost? What portion of the cost will you ask the Community Health Council to contribute?
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Will you involve children in the work in your garden? Why or why not? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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If there is overage in your garden, do you have a plan for using the extra food? May we connect you with a local food pantry? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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What types of gardening training or consulting do you think would benefit you most? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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Other comments or suggestions? _________________________________________________________________________________________
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Please mail this completed application to: Community Health Council of Rutherford County at PO Box 352 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or email the application to HealthCouncilRC@gmail.com
Applicants from across the county will be chosen to receive grant awards for a maximum of $1500 to start a new garden. Expansion grants will be considered for $1000 or less.
We realize that you may have never requested a grant. Please do not hesitate to call with questions or requests. We will help you by phone or in person to complete the application or to build partnerships with others who are interested.
Training is available for the leadership of your Community Garden by experts in growing food. We will ask to place a sign by your garden designing you as a “Growing Together” community garden sponsored by the Health Council.
The deadline for grant applications is 5:00 on March 20. Contestants will be notified by April 1.
Please call Jill Miracle at 828-202-4630 with questions about the “Growing Together” grants.
