Apply for Community Garden Grants – Australia

Deadline: 11-Jul-24

ACT Government is seeking applications for the Community Gardens Grant program to support a variety of garden types, not just traditional food gardens.

The ACT Community Garden Grants Program is designed to support the delivery of community gardens across Canberra to enhance community places and spaces.

The popularity of community gardens and school kitchens is increasing across Australia and in the region. Community gardens are often established in urban areas, providing important opportunities for people to grow and consume locally produced fresh food. Other benefits include providing opportunities for social interaction and physical activity, celebration of cultural diversity, provision of spaces to connect with nature, an increased understanding of food production challenges, and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Funding Streams

• Round 10 includes a total of $100,000 in funding split across two funding streams. There is $40,000 allocated for Stream One projects and $60,000 for Stream Two projects.
  • Stream one: funding from $2,000 to $8,000 (GST exclusive) per organisation
    • Projects eligible for funding include small scale food production gardens (between 5-10 plots), enhancements to existing food gardens (improve production, safety and/or increased utilisation of the community space) and non-food related gardens such as sensory, native, pollination and inclusive meeting places.
  • Stream two: funding from $8,000 to $30,000 (GST exclusive) per organisation
    • This funding is available exclusively to food production gardens. This includes:
      • establishing new food production gardens with significant infrastructure costs such as fencing, irrigation and site preparation
      • extending existing food production gardens where food production would be significantly increased with the addition of infrastructure which improves garden resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Project Priorities 

• Applicants are required to demonstrate that their project contributes to the delivery of new or existing community gardens. Appropriate land use approvals must be in place (or in progress) prior to applying.
• Garden types 
  • The Community Garden Grants Program funds community gardens that fit the description of Canberra Community gardens in the Territory Plan, as well as other types of garden.
  • The Territory Plan states that the dominant model of community gardens in the ACT is where a community group manages a plot of land (either by dividing it into allotments or creating shared gardens) to produce food. The site is usually fenced, and access is controlled by the community group.
  • The Community Garden Grants Program also includes funding for community gardens in open urban spaces (local parks and shops), schools, community centres and within unit titles. Proposed management styles for new community gardens will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Funding is available for projects that support community gardens and meet one or more of the following Program Priorities:
    • Benefit the wider community and encourage social inclusion through: 
      • supplying nutritious food to those facing barriers in accessing fresh produce
      • promoting social cohesion within the wider community
      • improving mental health by providing inviting meeting spaces/gardens
      • supporting activities that encourage social inclusion and community connection
      • the establishment of new community garden locations to ensure easy local access across Canberra.
    • Promote healthy living of people and the garden environment through: 
      • improving awareness, skills and capability in buying and preparing healthy food
      • educating the community on soil health (preparation, management, structure, moisture retention and composting/worm farms)
      • enhancing garden resilience by conducting presentations/workshops such as seed saving, propagation, crop rotation, water harvesting and soil health.
    • Demonstrate principles of the circular economy, eco-friendly gardens and zero emissions through: 
      • repurposing, recycling and/or reusing resources, tools, or materials for projects
      • establishing compost or a worm farm
      • prioritising use of organic and eco-friendly options for soil enhancement, weed/pest management and increased food production
      • minimising use of broad-spectrum chemicals that are toxic to insects, wildlife and the waterways
      • reducing emissions with electric alternatives to fossil fuel-powered tools and equipment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Not-for-profit community organisations, schools, community groups and owners’ corporations are eligible to apply. An applicant must:
  • be a not-for-profit organisation or not-for profit group with an incorporated legal structure registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (e.g. be an incorporated association, a company limited by guarantee, an Indigenous corporation or a nontrading co-operative)
    • Individuals and non-incorporated groups can apply through an auspicing incorporated not-for-profit organisation.
  • have an ABN and a minimum of $10 million public liability insurance or provide a quote from an insurance company and then become insured for $10 million public liability upon becoming successful for funding
    • This grant cannot be used to pay for the required insurance.
  • be applying for funding for a project to be undertaken within the ACT and primarily for the benefit of ACT residents
  • not be a government agency
  • not be a political party registered under the Commonwealth Electoral Act (1918)
  • be prepared to enter into a Deed of Grant with the Territory.

Ineligible

• Funding cannot be provided for:
  • projects funded by another grant or funding source unless it can be demonstrated the projects are distinct from the separately funded work
  • any project or activity that does not align with one or more of the Program Priorities
  • any project or activity undertaken on a property not owned by the applicant and for which the applicant does not provide evidence the owner has approved the project or activity
  • projects to be undertaken outside of the ACT border
  • funding of projects, activities and any other commitments beyond the maximum funding period

For more information, visit ACT.