Finding funding to create your garden vision can seem daunting, but it is possible. Schools can apply for some grants that are not possible for community gardens and vice versa.
Your situation is the reason we developed our Bush Tucker Garden Starter Pack, which includes a plan, plants, signage and detailed instructions. This package was developed for a $1000 grant, but can be customised for larger grants.
Finding and identifying a grant opportunity takes time and persistence. When you find a potential grant to apply for it is essential to read the grant guidelines and assess if your project idea fulfils the assessment criteria. There is no point writing a grant application if it does not comply with the guidelines, it would be a waste of time.
Building relationships
Achieving funding for community projects is really all about developing relationships. Good team relationships within the group are essential and reaching out to potential partners within your local community can extend the reach of your project and increase your chance of winning a grant.
Other community organisations may also be open to chatting about funding and sharing their stories with you. Larger civic organisations such as the Lions Club or Rotary can give advice and may fund suitable projects.
Grant Writing Workshops
Attend any grant writing workshop run by the funding body as there are often changes in the application process. Then discuss your vision with them and ask for their feedback on the project you would like to fund. Council grant officers can give invaluable advice and check that your project falls within the guidelines.
Project Budget
The project budget takes time to complete, from identifying what materials or contractors are required to receiving quotes. It is essential to fully cost the project so the organisation does not end up with a budget blackhole. Be aware that landscape contractors may not have time to do extensive calculations for you.
Funding organisations
The list below have all given grants for garden projects, but many other organisations provide funding as well.
- Local Landcare groups
- Junior Landcare
- Your local council or shire
- Federal Australian government grants
- State government departments such as Vic Health.
- Victorian Schools Garden Program
Karen has worked with several community organisations and school to build gardens funded by grants, read about the Lake Park Kinder and Seymour and Mansfield school projects.
Bush food plants for your design
Plants may be sourced from your local indigenous nursery, who also are usually a good source of information. We also sell a limited selection on our webshop. Your local reputable retail nursery should also stock a range of native food plants.
Bush Tucker Garden Starter Pack
Your situation is the reason we developed our Bush Tucker Garden Starter Pack, which includes a plan, plants, signage and detailed instructions. This package was developed for a $1000 grant, but can be customised for larger grants.
Once you have your grant funded, we can tailor this package to your exact needs.
- If you are developing a garden plan yourself, you might be interested in our bush food plant signs for your garden.
- There is also a lot of information throughout our website on individual plants, such as Karen’s top six bush tucker plants for school gardens.
- There is also more bush tucker plant information on our Youtube channel
Other Organisations
Reaching out to your local indigenous elders and community early in the process through council, state government or your local land council is a pathway to ask for advice on the best way to involve community in your project and potentially find indigenous cultural teachers.
Contacting your local community garden may also be a helpful resource.
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