2025 Kids Dig In Application

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the renewal of the Plant A Seed: Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant Program. The Plant A Seed program is provided through the Commissioner Chair initiatives and administered through the Office of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The Open Space Trust Fund was created to assist in the execution of policy made by the Union County Board of Commissioners to conserve open space, provide recreational opportunities, and preserve historic sites throughout the twenty-one municipalities in Union County.

This year, Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Commissioner Sergio Granados, and the Board have once again committed themselves to the funding of a garden-based education in Union County.

The Union County Kids Dig In: School Garden grant promotes a STEM based education that fosters creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our youth both inside and outside the classroom. Through this grant, the County of Union will invest in outdoor spaces, engaging environmental preservation topics and hands-on-learning experiences.

This grant is open to Pre-K through 12th grade schools in Union County.

All 2025 applicants meeting the established criteria will be considered based upon the thoroughness of the completed application, the number of applications received overall, and the locations of the communities served.

Applications for 2025 are now being accepted. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Applicants will be notified of their award shortly thereafter.

Funding is available to Pre-K through 12th grade schools throughout the County of Union.

Projects will be chosen based on need, scope, population served and readiness to proceed.

Joint School Projects will be accepted based on coordination and approval by the Office of Open Space, Recreation & Historical Preservation Trust Fund.

Projects must be current initiatives, and all funding awarded must be expended by December 31, 2025. There is no ability to extend beyond this deadline.

All recipients of grant dollars will be required to post signage provided by the Open Space Trust Fund indicating “This garden was made possible by the Union County Commissioner Board”.
All grant receipts are required to notify the Office of Open Space Trust Fund of any garden programing and extend an invitation to the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
All recipients will be subject to monitoring visits by the Office of the Open Space Trust Fund staff.
Gardens are required to submit pictures through https://ucnj.org/plant-a-seed-blog/submit-progress-reports/ on a monthly basis commencing after their planting date.
Should it be determined by the County that the funds granted pursuant to this agreement are not being so dedicated by the applicant, and then in that event, the County will require reimbursement of all amounts so granted. This provision applies to any present or future violations.
There will be a mandatory award ceremony on April 30th , which will include workshops and speakers. At least one participant from the organization receiving an award must be present. The date will be announced during the application review period

Raised bed gardens must be located on property at least 16’x12’, with 20’x14’ preferable, receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight daily with available water supply.

Gardens must agree to set aside 30% of their harvest for community donation.

Gardens are required to submit pictures through https://ucnj.org/plant-a-seed-blog/submit-progress-reports/ on a monthly basis commencing after their planting date.

Failure to comply with the above commitments gives the County of Union the right to seek a return of any and all funds paid and will affect future funding requests.

Option 1: Raised Garden Bed

Option 1 provides a simple, economical way to start a new garden or expand an existing one. As grant administrator, the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth provides a complete garden package including installation of a galvanized steel planting bed along with soil, seeds or seedlings, tools, materials and follow-up support.

This year new gardens will receive two galvanized steel planting beds and existing gardens will have the opportunity to apply for one galvanized steel planting bed.

Note: Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date. The planting date will require the grantees to have students readily available to plant alongside Groundwork Elizabeth and the Board of County Commissioners. Students must have signed media release consent forms prior to the planting date.

Option 2: ADA Raised Garden Bed (A limited supply is available)

Option 2 provides a simple, economical way to expand an existing garden. This raised-bed makes gardening possible for individuals who are wheelchair bound or unable to kneel. As grant administrator, the nonprofit organization Groundwork Elizabeth provides a complete garden package including installation of one ADA Raised Garden bed along with soil, seeds or seedlings, tools, materials and follow-up support.

Note: Grantees will need to select an install date and a planting date. The planting date will require the grantees to have students readily available to plant alongside Groundwork Elizabeth and the Board of County Commissioners. Students must have signed media release consent forms prior to the planting date.

Option 3: Garden Enhancement

Option 3 provides a grant award for equipment needed to complete a new garden, or enhance an existing garden. Qualifying purchases include irrigation, soil, seeds or seedlings, plants, fencing, tools, benches/tables (for social engagement and education), storage bins and sheds. The grant cannot be used for decorative items, food/drink, advertising/outreach, etc.

School Name*

Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

Postal / Zip Code

Principal’s Name *

First NameLast Name

Principal’s Phone Number*

Principal’s Email Address*

Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name

Applicant Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Applicant E-mail Address*

example@example.com

Select a Grant Choice*

Option 1: Raised Garden BedOption 2: ADA Raised Garden BedOption 3: Garden Enhancement

Location of Garden*

Owner of Property*

Is this for a new or existing garden?*

existing gardennew garden

Is this location at least 16’x12 with a water supply and at least 6-8hours of sunlight?*

Yes

The location must be able to sustain the garden throughout the school year*

Yes

Approximate number of volunteers available to tend to the garden*

Who will maintain and care for the garden during the summer months when school is out for the summer?*

First NameLast Name

Provide name of community partner who will receive 30% of the garden’s harvest.*

Please explain why your school will particularly benefit from this grant option.*

I will provide pictures of the desire site location to the Space Trust Fund Office no later than April 7, 2025.*

Yes

How do you plan to engage the school community?*

Which years did your school receive funding through the Kids Dig In! grant program*

There will be a mandatory award ceremony on April 30th, which will include workshops and speakers. At least one participant from the organization receiving an award must be present. The date will be announced during the application review period.

By signing below, I demonstrate the school’s commitment to:

Donate a portion of the harvest to the community.
Display a sign provided by Union County, identifying the funding source.
Include members of the Commissioner Board in garden events, provide photos for use in an online photo gallery, and credit the Commissioner when publicizing the award.

I agree to all the terms above*

Yes

Principal's Signature*

Today's Date*

Date

2025 Kids Dig In Application

About

Schedule

Who May Apply

What the Grants Cover

Conditions of Award

Garden Qualifications

Garden Grant Options

Application