North Dakota State University has funds available to support youth gardening projects in North Dakota.

Grants up to $1,000 are available on a competitive basis. Efforts will be made to support youth gardening programs in as many counties as possible.

Any youth group—including schools, 4-H clubs, community organizations, church groups, and other youth organizations—are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin March 20, 2013 and continue on an ongoing basis until available funds are exhausted.

Funds may be used to purchase gardening supplies (hand tools, soil, seeds, plants, containers, etc.), Junior Master Gardener and/or other gardening books, and other educational supplies. Funds cannot be used for snacks or other food, transportation, labor or major equipment.

Approximately $30,000 in funds is available in 2013. It is projected that youth projects in 30 or more counties in the state will receive funds. Garden project leaders are responsible for submitting receipts and submitting them to North Dakota State University Extension Service for prompt reimbursement.

North DakotaStateUniversity supports the Junior Master Gardener program and encourages the use of their educational curricula. For more information, go to

Any project related to youth and gardening is eligible. Examples of possible projects may include:

  • The establishment ofschoolgardens that promote the consumption of healthy vegetables and fruits.
  • Planting trees to establish small arboreta at schools or parks that promote alternatives to ash trees for landscaping.
  • Beautification projectsat schools, parks, churches, or along streets.
  • Projects that promotecreative writing, literature or artrelated to the environment.
  • Projects that promote theproduction and marketing of vegetable crops.
  • Constructionprojects such as building raised garden beds for the elderly.
  • Food security gardens that grow vegetables to be donated to local food pantries.
  • Conservation plantings such as wildflower gardens, prairies,and butterfly gardens.
  • International projects that promote cultural awareness and poverty alleviation.

Funds awarded in 2013 need to be used by June15, 2013. Project coordinators must pay for their project supplies,submit all of their reimbursements when their project funds are exhausted, and then will be reimbursed promptly. More details on reimbursement will be provided at the time funds are awarded.

A brief evaluation report documenting the impact of the local garden program will be provided to coordinators and is expected to be completed by October 15, 2013.

Please complete the attached application carefully and completely. Support from a local NDSU Extension agent or educator is required (see last page of application).

E-mail applications to .

For more information, please contact eitherDean Aakre (NDSU Fargo campus; e-mail: ; 701.231.8595); Tom Kalb (Bismarck; e-mail: ; 701.221.6865); or Todd Weinmann (CassCounty; e-mail: ;701.241.5707).