As 2024 is coming to a close, this is a good time to reflect on past work and prepare for the future. In the spirit of planning ahead and continuing to advance pollinator habitat, we would like to share a funding opportunity from our partners at the USDA People’s Garden Initiative (PGI). For an introduction to PGI, check out our February 2024 blog, Meet the People’s Garden Initiative.
Grant announcement
Approximately $1 million in funding is available from the People’s Garden Initiative through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, in partnership with The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) 2025 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. The program will fund projects that support community-based gardens promoting sustainable agriculture practices that benefit people and wildlife – not just People’s Gardens. Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2025 and grant awards range from $30,000-60,000.
Learn more and apply: Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program 2025 Request for Proposals.
Click the above link to read more about this funding opportunity, eligibility, and details on their five priorities:
- On-the-ground restoration
- Environmental outreach, education, and training
- Community partnerships
- Measurable results
- Sustainability
D.C. Headquarter People’s Garden Update
Did you know that there is a People’s Garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.? If you are on the Mall, be sure to visit the garden on the corner of Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW to see their displays of food grown in containers, raised beds, mini food forest, and a new native pollinator habitat. The pollinator habitat was planted with native plugs by Xerces Society staff in May 2024, in collaboration with PGI headquarters gardeners and volunteers. This habitat and other garden features are great demonstration sites for people to see how to grow food in small spaces for both people and wildlife. Fun fact: D.C. is also a Bee City USA affiliate with multiple Bee Campuses nearby!
More Resources
Interested in receiving more updates? You can sign-up for the latest PGI news from the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, including their monthly newsletter, funding, and opportunities available with the People’s Garden. Interested in registering your community farm or garden as a People’s Garden? Learn more here.
