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The Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association (BAMGA), an organization of trained volunteers under Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, is now accepting grant applications for 2024 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 are available at https://www.bedfordareamastergardeners.org/ 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 January 15, 2024 and must be received by March 1, 2024. Decisions will be made and monies distributed by March 15, 2024.