Gardening grants available

REGION — The National Gardening Association (NGA), in conjunction with Home Depot, awards Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs.

In evaluating grant applications, priority is given to programs that emphasize one or more of the following: educational focus or curricular/program integration; nutrition or plant-to-food connections; environmental awareness/education; entrepreneurship; and the social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning.

Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of three and 18 years.

For the 2010 grant cycle, 100 grants are available. Five programs will receive gift cards valued at $1,000 (a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and a $500 gift card to the Gardening with Kids catalog, and educational materials from NGA). Ninety-five programs will receive a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and educational materials from NGA

Visit kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp for a copy of the application.