It’s time to apply for a School Garden Caretaker Grant!
Thanks to funding from the Sewall Foundation since 2023, the Maine School Garden Network is proud to continue to offer School Garden Caretakers Grants that provide a $2,000 grant to pay School Garden Caretakers in Maine for their work!
In 2026, we have three grants available.
One of the top ten results of our 2023 Network Survey informed us that only 52% of school garden caretakers are paid anything for their work. Among the 48% that are paid, their income can range from a $500 stipend up to a full time benefited position. School garden coordinators can be community volunteers, parents, educators or members of school administration such as librarians, school counselors and administrators, who are taking on their school garden as an extra project with the aim of educating students using a learn by doing hands-on method in outdoor classrooms and school gardens.
The School Garden Caretaker Grant opens each year in June with a deadline of August 30th and is currently funded through 2027. The grant is only available to applicants in Maine.
To qualify for a grant, schools must have:
- a school garden program (of any size, capacity, involvement level)
- a new or updated registry listing in the MSGN Garden Directory.
- documented support by a school colleague for the School Garden program in the form of a letter.
- a person who is currently or able to be the School Garden Caretaker (having a person in place is REQUIRED)
Note: 2023, 2024 and 2025 School Garden Caretaker Grant Winners are ineligible to apply.
- Awarded funds must be used within 1 year of the award to pay the School Garden Caretaker.
- Candidates will be notified of their status in September in order to get the grants out as soon as possible and get the programs rolling.
- Applicants choose whether grant checks are written to the caretaker or school.
- 2026 Garden Caretakers must submit a final grant report by October 1, 2027 including 3 images and a signed photo release form for use at our Annual Meeting on November 5, 2027 at the MOFGA Educational Center in Unity.
Questions?
Email info@msgn.org for more information.
Interested in funding a School Garden Caretaker Grant?
Contact Susan Sager, Development Manager, at susan@msgn.org for more information.
Deadline to apply is August 30, 2026