1. FUNDING SCHOOL GARDENS

2. FIRST STEP - CREATE YOUR GARDEN BUDGET
Create a garden budget and organize it into:
-Initial garden purchases – supplies needed to run a garden
-Ongoing garden purchases – annual supplies needed
-And garden upgrades
Consider these categories when you make purchases or find someone who wants to help/donate to garden
When money is hard to find, ask for donation of supplies

3. CREATE SUPPORTING GARDEN DOCUMENTS TO ADVOCATE FOR DONATIONS
Endorsement letter from principal
One-page garden description
List of garden supporters & needs
Garden diagram
Personal appeal from kids
Money is easier to give if they believe in your effort and know how the donation will be used. Being organized and a good communicator will pay off in volunteers and donations

4. RAISING MONEY FOR THE GARDEN
The finances at each school vary – your financial pie will look different
From parent organization
School fundraisers
Donations
Sponsorships
Win grants
Think of school finances as a 5-legged stool. Nurture each aspect to have enough money to run your garden. Some aspects of fundraising will be easier for you. Give the ones you are not good at to someone else to manage.

5. ASK YOUR SCHOOL PTA OR FOUNDATION TO FUND YOUR PROGRAM
PTAs have lots of competition for how they spend their limited funds – provide studies to show their money is well spent
gardens
Advocate for use of the garden across the campus to reach
all students – PTAs typically
want to reach the entire
student body to justify
an expense
School gardens are said to benefit:
1.Academics (increase test score with hands-on learning)
2.Improve food choices with increased fruit & vegetable consumption
3.Obesity prevention
4.Food justice
5.Improve social & emotional behaviors with positive social interactions
6.Higher morale of teachers & students

6. SCHOOL GARDEN GRANT CALENDAR ON THE MASTER GARDENER WEBSITE
GARDEN GRANTS
SCHOOL GARDEN GRANT CALENDAR ON THE MASTER GARDENER WEBSITE
Best grants open in the fall and close in the winter
Find a parent willing to assist the garden by applying for
grants
Grant money won this year is typically awarded next year – plan ahead
Many grants are needs-based. Know your Free & Reduced Lunch %

7. SCHOOL FUNDRAISING IDEAS
Sell bricks, painted rocks, tiles, kid-made cards, CSA boxes, garden signs
Coin-raising ‘Feed the Pig’
Create a Farm Stand and ask for a donation for: harvested produce, home-made pesto, flower bouquets, seed packets, bean soup mixes to sell at parent events
Have students pot geraniums or succulents to raise money

8. ASK A LOCAL BUSINESS OR FAMILY TO SPONSOR OR DONATE TO YOUR GARDEN
SPONSORSHIPS
ASK A LOCAL BUSINESS OR FAMILY TO SPONSOR OR DONATE TO YOUR GARDEN
Be specific about your needs Create a letter with details
Reward sponsors with banners or signs of support
Ask:
Family businesses of students
Nurseries, retailers
Realtors
Restaurants
Scout groups
Arborist
Gnome adoption
Common donations include: plants, soil, amendment, seeds, cooking supplies, lockbox, mulch, tree stumps

9. CREATE A DONATION BOARD
Post in the garden or central area a wish list of items the garden needs
Parents in the construction industry can donate materials or expertise
Use school’s blast, website or social media to request donations or volunteers

10. Funding School Garden in Summary
Create a budget and supporting garden documents to communicate and advocate for your school garden
Attend to all 5 aspects of garden finance
PTA
Fundraisers
Donations
Sponsorships
Grants
Get help from others
Finance and fundraising is a great place to enlist other’s assistance

11. Questions?