Unity Gardens awards grants twice a year (in the spring and fall) to Anne Arundel County Maryland based community organizations to support planting projects that use the power of native plants to address issues like stormwater runoff, pollution, and habitat loss. We fund non-profit groups such as homeowners associations, faith-based organizations, schools, scout groups, garden clubs, and other qualified organizations.
A substantial portion of our funding comes from the Anne Arundel County Forestry Division’s reforestation fund. Because this is a county organization, funding for projects located within Annapolis City limits comes from other sources and is capped at an amount determined annually by our board of directors.
Application Cycles and Deadlines
Spring Grant deadline, April 1 (applications open Feb. 15).
Fall Grant deadline, August 1 (applications open June 15).
To start your application now, go to our Apply page
Grant Categories
There are 3 categories of grants available:
- Standard Grants up to $1,000 for mostly perennial native plants
- Meadow Grants up to $2,000 for projects with an approximately equal mix of native grasses and perennials
- Super Grants up to $3,000 for projects comprised of at least 75% native trees and shrubs
Applicant – Project Eligibility
- Organized by a nonprofit community based organization such as homeowners association, PTA, faith-based congregation, garden club or civic organization.
- Located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
- Project site is on non-profit organization-owned or public land (school, library, stormwater areas, park) with documented permission.
- A minimum of 80% of project funds will be used for native plants. ((Up to 20% can be for materials to support the viability of these plants such as mulch, soil amendments or tree protection.)
- The project cannot include funding for annuals, non-native species, contractors, hardscaping, delivery fees or maintenance crews. or hired labor.
- Plants must be native to the Maryland Coast Plains ecoregion. (See our About Native Plants in Anne Arundel County page for an explanation of eco-regions and approved resources for determining the native status of plants).
- The requesting organization must have a business (not personal) bank account for accepting grant funds.
- The potential grantee has not received a Unity Gardens grant in the previous 12 months for the same project or location.
- The project is being undertaken on a voluntary basis (mitigation and violation remediation projects cannot be funded).
A full description of the types of grants available and our funding requirements is provided in our Grant Guidelines. A simplified list of our grant eligibility requirements and mandatory application components is provided on the Application Checklist.
We highly recommend viewing both these documents before creating and submitting your application.
Selection Criteria
- Whether or not the application meets all the project eligibility requirements (see Application Checklist).
- Whether or not the application includes all of the required components (see Application Checklist)
- Level of volunteer participation and development of community leadership.
- Potential benefit to the community and the environment. Projects should address environmental issues such as erosion, stormwater management, or habitat protection.
- Feasibility of project plan, including goals, timeline, budget and breakdown of plant and other materials.
- Detailed budget (using our template – this is required), proof of financial responsibility, and financial need.
- Soundness of long term plan for maintenance and sustainability.
- Projects with a financial match by the requesting organization will be looked upon favorably.
- First priority is given to first-time grantees meeting or exceeding all eligibility requirements.
- Second prioirty is given to repeat grantees in good standing, as funds allow.
- Projects with 100% of funding going to native plants are preferred.
Awardee – Requirements
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- Confirm: start date and sign/return the Grant Agreement.
- Permits: Check jurisdiction for requirements and, if required, obtain in advance.
- Notify: Unity Gardens of changes to the original proposal, including plants, timeline, and funds. Inform Unity Gardens of public events, publicity, or media announcements.
- Acknowledge Unity Gardens: in materials, on social media. Post Unity Gardens sign (provided).
- Submit a Final Report by the deadline: project must be completed along with a final report within the awarded grant cycle (by Nov. 15th for Fall grants; by July 15th for Spring grants). Extensions by approved request only.