Before You Begin
Welcome to the CGSF application! Even if you’ve been here before, please read through our updated Frequently Asked Questions. Thank you!
Background Information
A partnership of Grow Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Community Garden Sustainability Fund (CGSF) provides material and technical assistance to existing community food gardens. The fund supports projects that will improve or enhance gardens so that they may have a long-lasting positive impact as part of their communities.
At Grow Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, we work to support gardens that will be enjoyed for generations to come. We define a sustainable garden as one made to last, where people feel safe and connected to their neighborhood, where plants and soil are healthy. A sustainable garden has access to sufficient materials, volunteers, and funds. Its leadership and membership is diverse, energized and creative.
Community Garden Sustainability Fund Applicant/ Recipient Process
Step 1: Make sure you understand how CGSF works. See the web page and FAQ.
Step 2: Plan your project and/ or figure out your supply request. If you need help with these details, contact the CGSF team well in advance of when applications close.
Step 3: Submit your application by the deadline. Mail-in applications are accepted.
Step 4: Expect to receive an email notification from a CGSF team member about your request status (awarded, partially awarded, or not awarded). In the spring round, notifications are sent in early April. In the fall round, notifications are sent in early September.
Step 5. If your request was approved, your CGSF team member will communicate with you to coordinate your project and/ or supplies. 1-2 months after receiving your approval notification, you should receive your supplies. This timing depends on the complexity and clarity of the project.
Who is Eligible?
Any existing community-focused food garden group in Allegheny County is encouraged to apply, including those managed by schools, community organizations, shelters, and religious institutions. “Existing” means you are actively growing food and/or host programming at the garden related to food-growing. You do not need 501(c)3 tax-exempt status to apply.
Garden groups must submit the following in order to be considered for support:
- Completed online application
- Written permission from landowner allowing gardening on the site*
- Garden Listing on Grower's Map
* If your garden is on city-owned property, learn more about the process to obtain permission to use the lot via the Adopt-A-Lot Program. Please make sure your requests are in compliance with the Adopt-A-Lot program guidelines.
Application
By completing this application, you will automatically be added to the Community Garden Network e-newsletter list to keep you in the loop on garden related news and opportunities. You can unsubscribe at any time.
NOTE: THIS IS A MATERIAL (NOT MONETARY) MINI-GRANT. We cannot give gardens money, fund employee or internship positions, or pay ongoing garden expenses like utility bills or insurance. By filling out this application, you will be requesting specific supplies that we will purchase for you.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT USE THE "SAVE AND CONTINUE LATER" FEATURE AT THIS TIME. Some applicants have experienced glitches and we are working to identify the problem. In the meantime, please avoid.
