Open Gardens Canberra – Grants Program
Each financial year, Open Gardens Canberra has funding available from our operating surplus to assist with the establishment of a project or projects that meet our core values.
Types of projects that could be considered include but are not limited to:
- Restoration of native woodlands
- Projects that will enhance a streetscape
- Projects that will improve the garden experience for the disabled
- Garden education projects
- Making open gardens available to a wider audience through technology.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must demonstrate:
- Community Engagement: Be a nonprofit organisation, community group, or individual engaging the wider community in gardening.
- Project Location: The project must be located in the ACT region.
- Timeline: Complete the project within 12 months of receiving the grant.
- Budget: Provide a detailed budget excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonstrating how funds will be used.
- Sustainability: Outline lasting benefits for the community.
Grow Together: Open Gardens Canberra Grants 2025 NOW OPEN!
Open Gardens Canberra is excited to announce the opening of applications for our 2025 grants! We’re offering grants of up to $5,000 for creative, community-driven gardening projects.
Do you have an idea for a neighbourhood garden, a collaborative planting initiative, or a project that brings people together through gardening? This is your chance to make it happen!
We’re looking for projects that not only showcase gardening flair but also engage and connect the community. Whether it’s a vegetable patch, a garden for local schools, or a sustainable green space, we’re here to support your vision.
These grants are open to individuals, groups, and organisations in the Canberra region who are passionate about fostering community connection through gardening. Apply now and help your community grow!
Get an application form here. Applications close Wednesday 30th April 2025.
Let’s cultivate creativity and connection with Open Gardens Canberra!
2024 Projects
In 2024 we funded 4 projects:
- Belgravia Foundation received $2,540 to construct and make operational six wicking beds for an all-access community garden located at Lakeside Leisure Centre Tuggeranong. The funds partnered with other contributions and were used to purchase soil, compost, perlite, framing, cladding and hardware fittings.
- The Memorial Garden at Robert Comb Gardens was provided $600 to purchase materials to enhance the northern approach to the Robert Comb Memorial in Stirling.
- Lions Youth Haven was funded $2,150 to expand its gardening health and cooking program at Kambah, which runs in partnership with local high schools and which targets youth who are at-risk or disengaged in the mainstream school system. The funds were used to purchase edible Australian plants and a range of equipment.
- A small Tomodachi inspired garden in Wanniassa received $300 to purchase soil, fertilisers and related materials to enable a group of primary school aged friends to learn to raise vegetables and use the produce.
Examples of previously funded projects
- Croke Place Wetlands Land Care Group. Construction of 3 seats to provide rest and pleasant viewing for visitors.
- Friends of Dryandra Woodlands. Towards restoration of 16 ha of urban park bushland in Bruce.
- St Dominic’s Garden, Holy Rosary Church. Constructing a 60th anniversary commemorative garden and revitalisation of existing garden beds.
- Construction of the Bonner Verge Garden with two planter boxes constructed on the verge.
- Canberra High School. Construction of three large raised garden beds outside their Technology block, planted with a range of winter crops that are commonly used in their Food Technology classes
- Donation of advanced trees to Featherston Gardens in Weston to replace some they lost during the drought.
- Approval of other community-based garden projects including works at Canberra City Farm and a bush aviary for Wildcare in Queanbeyan.