Funding Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Funding is an important consideration when planning a therapeutic horticulture program. Materials, location, staff and marketing all present expenses to facilitators, requiring financial support. There are many options to raise money to support therapeutic horticulture programs: grants, special events, sales, fees, donations, sponsorship, and more. There are also many aspects of the program to promote, including Health, Nutrition, Exercise, Community Development, Education, Science, Art, Job Training, etc. Below are some ideas to get you started.

Learn About Fundraising

Fundraising for Community Gardens by Gary Goosman (PDF), American Community Gardening Association

Funding Sources

Some gardens and programs are able to self-support via "value-added products." These can include raising and selling plants from seed or propagation, selling flowers or produce from the garden, or making crafts and other products from natural elements found in the garden for sale. Some programs host garden tours for admission or donations, invite the public for therapeutic horticulture activities at a small cost, or share space with other organizations to host events at a fee.Your program may also want to apply for grants to support your work:

• National Garden Bureau Therapeutic Garden Grant- 5 gardens selected each year, a total of $7,500 awarded
  • Must have existed for over a year and have a 5-year commitment to remain on the property.
  • Have a registered Horticulture Therapist on staff or as an advisor,
  • Impact a "significant number"
  • Eligible organizations: Schools, non-profits, hospitals, retirement centers, rehabilitative facilities, veteran facilities, community centers, inter-generational groups, job-training centers, food pantries, and public gardens throughout the United States and Canada.
• Master Gardener Associations: some are nonprofits seeking community projects to fund as well as volunteer opportunities for their members. 
• Local Garden Clubs: many have funds earmarked to support community projects; get in touch with their leadership to ask about opportunities
• Local Foundations: check online directories for local civic organizations and foundations funding wellness or health initiatives.
• Fiskars: Project Orange Thumb initiative supports community and school gardening projects, as well as direct equipment donations to projects
• Whole Foods Foundation: Grants to support community projects that lead to growing fresh food and educating people on the importance of a healthy way of eating
• American Public Garden Association: Supports programs in public gardens with specific impacts