The Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association (BAMGA), an organization of trained volunteers under Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, is now accepting grant applications for 2026 gardening projects. Our intent is to foster learning by integrating educational experiences in horticulture and the natural world through the development of community or school gardens. Grants will be awarded based on merit to any educational, care-giving or community-based organization seeking to educate, involve, and/or improve quality of life for participants through a gardening-related project. Organizations in Bedford County and the Town of Bedford are encouraged to apply. Grants may be awarded to public and private schools, 4-H groups, public libraries, other educational groups, as well as community gardens and nursing homes. Funding may be provided for, but not limited to, creating public gardens (vegetable and flower), raising plants for sale (4-H), composting, purchasing plant labels and gardening tools, to name a few, but not for labor, travel, food or similar.

Key factors that will be considered are educational value, reducing food insecurity, positive environmental impact (including options to avoid use of invasive plants and encouraging native plants), active involvement of participants, and plans for long-term maintenance if relevant. Strictly ornamental gardens are not eligible. Up to 4 grants of $250 each will be considered.

Applications may be downloaded below and can be sent electronically to gardengrant@bedfordareamastergardeners.org or by U.S. mail to BAMGA Garden Grants, 1257 County Farm Rd., Suite B., Bedford VA 24523.

Application submissions start October 1, 2025 and must be received by January 31, 2026. Decisions will be made by February 21, 2026, and funds will be distributed shortly thereafter.

2026 BAMGA Garden grant criteria Download

2026 BAMGA garden grant application Download

2025

Giving Back to the Community – BAMGA 2025 Garden Grants

In support of its mission to help educate the citizens of Bedford County, BAMGA has awarded 3 garden grants of $250 each to qualified organizations to help them educate, involve, and/or improve quality of life through a gardening-related project. In 2025, grants were awarded to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for their education garden, to Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center for a composting project, and to ONE Forest School for a habitat garden.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Presentation by BAMGA members to Renee Flowers (Director of Development), Mary Massie (Director of Programs and Education) and Jennifer Tanner (Volunteer in charge of education garden). The grant will be used to purchase historically appropriate seeds and plants and to develop weather-resistant signage to identify the plants and their historical purpose. BAMGA’s contribution will be highlighted at the garden and in their biannual newsletter. (Photo by Marge L.)

Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center

Presentation by BAMGA members to Marco Laiti (Center Director). The grant will be used to develop a compost container with educational materials for children attending the center, located in Thaxton. (Photo by Annie W.)

ONE Forest School

Presentation by BAMGA members to Heidi Sutherland, teacher. This is a private, science-based school located in the forest in Huddleston. The grant will be used to develop a habitat garden for butterflies and other pollinators on the banks along the walkway, according to Catherine Eubanks, director.

2024

BAMGA would like to congratulate the Bedford Public Library System Foundation and the Bedford Urban Garden (BUG) as this year’s Garden Grant recipients.

The BPLS Foundation will be using the money to purchase all supplies needed for a tomato starting workshop to be held early in 2025.

BUG is purchasing plants that will be grown by the BUG Board for donation to Bedford Christian Ministries and the John B. Early apartments.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visitext.vt.edu/accessibility