Some school gardeners find the prospect of raising funds to start up or sustain a school garden daunting, but others relish the challenge and see it as an opportunity for learning. The good news is that there are many different ways to acquire the materials and funds you will need. Successful kids' gardening programs frequently incorporate several strategies.

If you begin by estimating the costs for the entire project and preparing a realistic budget, you'll have a good fundraising target. Remember to include expenses for site development and improvement, routine maintenance, curriculum materials, and miscellaneous items. Consider setting up an account for your project with the PTO or school business office, or appoint a treasurer and open a checking account. Create a recordkeeping system for revenues and expenses, and establish who has the authority to spend money from the account.

Soliciting Donations Locally
Soliciting donations from local groups and businesses is more than a way of obtaining needed money and materials. It serves to publicize and develop support for your program and to actively involve the community in supporting education. Here are some tips for requesting donations.

Launching Fundraising Projects

Fundraising projects can require a lot of time and energy, but they can also be used to bring curriculum goals to life. For instance, consider a school seedling sale. Students who create flyers or write articles about the event hone language arts skills. Economic and math concepts have meaning as students price products and track expenses and profits. Raising healthy seedlings requires a growing understanding of life science concepts. Such projects can also create school and community enthusiasm for and a sense of ownership of the garden project. Cultivate team spirit around fundraising, set goals, and celebrate the results. Be sure that students recognize and thank volunteers, donors, and sponsors whenever possible. Here are a few fundraising project suggestions:

Finding School Funding Sources

Consider potential sources of funds within your school. Request an annual allocation from the school budget or PTO funds. If the garden is a vital part of the school infrastructure; is actively championed by faculty, staff, volunteers, and kids; and features permanent structures, such as fences and sheds, you are more likely to receive such funding. Emphasize the connections between the garden and curriculum, detailing how the garden program will address local, state, and national standards and frameworks.

Finding Outside Funding Sources

School gardeners have discovered scads of local, regional, and national support for school garden and habitat initiatives. Each program, context, and funder is unique, so do your homework and try to find the best match before sending out an application or proposal.

To find sources of educational funds available in your area, talk with your principal, subject area coordinators, or district grant writer. Ask if there are mini-grants or other funds are available through your district. Local corporations (including utility companies), community foundations, and public education foundations may also offer grants for educational programs and materials. Many school gardeners have found support, in the form of donations or funds, from local stores or foundations of some of the big retailers, such as Wal-Mart.

Do some research to learn about grants available from foundations and organizations that are interested in school gardens and habitat projects, science and environmental education, or other areas related to your project. For instance, if an ethnic garden in part of your plan, look for funders who support multicultural initiatives. Local or regional foundations are usually your best bet. You'll find information on many regional and national grants in the Kidsgardening.com Resource Directory. Here are some other places to research available grants:

Writing Grants

Grants are awards designed to provide funds or materials to support specific projects or programs. Funders typically have guidelines for award eligibility and an official application form. Some have deadlines for applications and others accept them throughout the year. It pays to research the background of the granting agency or foundation so you can make sure your objectives meet its goals. You can often find this information in a grant announcement, descriptions of previously funded projects, or annual report.

Most granting organizations request at least the following types of information:

Your proposal should convey enthusiasm, while also stressing the excellent organization and broad base of the gardening program. Most foundations are not interested in funding a short-term affair. You will probably be asked for documentation of strong leadership, community support, and the sustainability of your program. Emphasize why your project is unique and worthy of funding. Create a vivid image by describing what teachers and students will actually do and detailing the outcomes for students, teachers, and/or the community.

Be sure to follow these cardinal rules of grant seeking:

Public Relations

Don't underestimate the power of keeping the community informed about your project for securing ongoing donations, involvement, and funds. Here are some tips for reaching out.

Calendar. Develop a detailed calendar of activities, committee meetings, fundraising efforts, work projects, and special events for the entire year and use that in your public relations efforts.

Publicity. Develop a plan for publicizing your garden to a broad audience. Compile a media list with contact information for local newspapers and radio and TV stations. Talk with reporters, send press releases, and invite the media to special events.

Promotion. Create a brochure or project folder that describes your project and provides interested supporters with information on how they can contribute.

Documentation. Have students create a scrapbook that includes news articles, color photos of kids working in the garden, letters of support, and dreams for the future. Display this scrapbook at public gatherings, school open houses, library exhibits, and county fairs.

Mailing list. Start building a mailing list or e-mail list of business people, parents, teachers, administrators, garden volunteers, community leaders, local nonprofit organizations, city and town officials, and legislators who support arts, education, and environmental programs for kids. Keep the members of this list informed about the gardening program, and ask them for help when needed.

Newsletter. Publish a newsletter about your program. Include a section listing and thanking sponsors and contributors. Make your goals, mission, and wish list known to readers. Network. Cultivate community partnerships with local garden clubs, 4-H clubs, Master Gardeners, scouting groups, service organizations, businesses, and conservation organizations.