The Arkansas Environmental Education Association is excited to announce a new garden opportunity for schools and non-profit organizations! AEEA is working with the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff to help establish, support, enhance, and expand projects focusing on edible gardens and healthy eating. Recipients will attend a professional development workshop and receive supplies to implement their proposed garden project in their new or existing edible garden. Supplies could include garden building materials, tools, and curriculum.
This program is supported by grant #2235865 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator Food & Nutrition Security Track: Food EducatioN for Nutritional security and Empowerment in Local communities (FENNEL).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible entities include schools and community non-profit organizations
- Schools can be public, private, or charter schools covering grades PreK – 12th grade.
- Community non-profit organizations must be a 501(c)3 registered organization
- If the project is garden focused, it should be an edible garden. Pollinator and native plant gardens are not the focus of this project.
- Schools and community organizations located in the Arkansas Delta region will be given priority. Schools and organizations across the state are welcome to apply.
- Completed proposals must be received by AEEA by the stated deadline of July 3, 2025.
- AEEA reserves the right to partially support any application.
Timeline:
- Application opens: June 2, 2025
- Application closes: July 3, 2025
- Recipient notification: Early August, 2025
- Drafted garden plan and supply list deadline (template will be provided): No later than August 29, 2025
- Professional Development Workshop: September 20, 2025
Application Submission Requirements:
A complete application consists of the following two files. Both documents should be submitted to Sophia Stephenson at director@arkansasee.org.
- Completed narrative application
- Make a copy of the Application Template
- Name the file “Name of Organization or School_Application”
- Complete the information as a Google Doc or Word Document
- Director’s Letter of Support
- Letter of Support Template
- Provide a letter committing support for your project. The letter should be signed by the school principal, Chair of the Board of Directors, or other applicable individual who is not the individual writing the application. The letter should be on school or organizational letterhead.
- Proposals from nonprofit organizations must include an organization tax exempt ID number.
- Name your letter of support “Name of Organization or School _Letter of Support”
Reporting Requirements:
The grantee holds full legal and financial responsibility for their project. A concise impact report will be required as part of this project. The report should not exceed one page.
- Describe the scope of the project and include at least one example of engagement with the community or school.
- A description of major activities and how the objectives of the project were achieved. Please highlight any significant outcomes or other achievements. Describe how the professional development and supplies provided were utilized during your project. These can be listed as bullet points.
- Mention how AEEA and UAPB were recognized during the project period.
- At least one photograph of the project that AEEA has permission to use. We hope you can provide pictures with the children or the community you work with! Only submit photos with children for whom you have a photo release form signed by their parent or guardian.
- AEEA may request to have an AEEA Board representative(s) view the project.
Helpful Information:
- Review the application first.
- Review the Tips & Supplemental Materials document.
- Fill out the Director’s Letter of Support before beginning your application.
- Attend one of our Q&A webinars for more information about this garden program and application process.
- Contact AEEA Executive Director, Sophia Stephenson at director@arkansasee.org or 501.773.1107 with any other questions.
Q&A Office Hours
AEEA will host two virtual Q&A sessions. These will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn a little more about the program.
Two sessions are being offered to accommodate schedules.
- Tuesday, June 17, 10:00 am
- Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 pm