ABOUT DIG IN!: The Dig In! Community Garden Program, implemented by City Green and funded by Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, aims to support the creation of vibrant community gardens for the production and access to healthy food, neighborhood beautification and community enhancement.
ABOUT THE GRANT: The Dig In! Tree, Bulb and Perennial grant supplies daffodil bulbs, native trees and native, perennial plants to eligible schools, municipalities and community groups in Passaic County to promote habitat restoration and neighborhood beautification. Site preparation and planting is completed by the grantee and technical assistance, tools and educational support is available from City Green as requested. Plant quantities available vary based on type of applicant (see eligibility for details). Applicants can request 1 -2 plant types (Ex. Trees and daffodils OR daffodils and native perennials.)
ELIGIBILITY: This program supports community organizations, youth organizations, faith-based organizations, municipal “adopt-a-lot” programs, schools, garden clubs, green teams, and energetic community members looking to spearhead a public greening project located in Passaic County.
ALL PROJECTS MUST HAVE:
- A minimum of 2 adults committed to the project.
- Be highly visible to the public and provide an identifiable positive impact to the neighborhood.
- Adequate sun and water access for the plants selected.
- An appropriate site preparation, irrigation and maintenance plan for the planting.
GRANT AWARDS AVAILABLE:
Applicants can select up to two plant types to apply for (ex. Native trees and daffodils OR native perennials and trees). Aside from the Pollinator Planter option, grants include plants only, and no other planting materials (ex. soil, mulch etc.). See below for grant availability.
1. Daffodil bulbs in amounts of 100, 250 or 500 bulbs
2. Native trees in amounts of 1, 2 or 3 trees (schools not eligible)
3. Native perennials in amounts listed below
- 20 plants in 1-gallon pots (see varieties in application) 50 square ft or more required
- 35 plants in 1-gallon pots (see varieties in application) 80 square ft or more required
- A Perennial Planter complete with 10 plants, 1 - 2 metal raised beds, soil, and signage. (Limited quantity, only available to sites with full sun and no workable soil)
PLANT INFORMATION:
DAFFODIL BULB GRANTS:
- Grant includes bags of daffodil bulbs in amount requested.
- For a full bloom effect, we recommend 50 - 100 daffodils per 20 square foot area.
- Sites must have 3+ hours of sunlight and workable soil.
TREE GRANTS:
- Grantees can select from 3 native tree types in the amount they are granted.
Variety options TBD based on nursery availability.
- Trees come 6 - 8 ft. tall, in 15 - 20 gallon pots with 1 - 2 inch trunk caliper.
- Applicants must have access to water and an effective irrigation plan to qualify.
PERENNIAL GRANTS:
CITY GREEN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
- City Green can provide tools, education, consultation and team/event leadership to support any Dig In! project.
- Plant pick-up, site preparation, plant installation, and maintenance must be completed by grantee.
GRANT TIMELINE:
- Application Period: June 18th, 2025 - August 8th, 2025
- Grant Notification: Late August 2025
- Grant Delivery: Late September / Early October 2025
- Plant Installation Deadline: November 30th, 2025
- Grant Report Due: December 12th, 2025
- Applications are due August 8th, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST
GRANT REQUIREMENTS and REPORTING:
- All accepted applicants must attend a virtual grant training prior to recieving their grant - Early September Date TBD.
- Project must be completed by November 30, 2025.
- Distribute a press release or social media post about the grant and planting project (hashtags and press release template provided by City Green).
- Provide before, during and after photos of the project due December 12th, 2025.