Grant Information

Unity Gardens awards grants twice a year (in the spring and fall) to local 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.

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 CategoriesGrants of up to $3,000 awarded twice a year to community organizations in Anne Arundel County Maryland for for native plants.

There are 3 categories of grants available:

  1. Standard Grants up to $1,000 for mostly perennial native plants
  2. Meadow Grants up to $2,000 for projects with an approximately equal mix of native grasses and perennials
  3. Super Grants up to $3,000 for projects comprised of at least 75% native trees and shrubs

Applicant – Project Eligibility

  • Located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland 
  • Organized by a community-based association, PTA, faith-based congregation, or other volunteer or non-profit organization.  
  • Property is on organization-owned or public land (school, library, stormwater areas, park) with documented permission.  
  • Funding for native plants only (trees, shrubs, and plants); with allowance for materials that support their life (mulch, soil amendments, tree protection). At least 80 percent must be used for native plants; no more than 20 percent for other materials. No funding will be granted for annuals, non-native species or hired labor. https://unitygardens.org/grant-information/native-plants 
  • 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.
  • Applicants must have a bank account in the name of the grantee or organization.
  • An organization may not receive a Unity Gardens grant ore than once in a 12-month period.

A full description of the types of grants available and our requirements is provided in our Grant Guidelines:

Please review these guidelines prior to completing and submitting your application.

Selection Criteria

  • Percent of funding going towards native plants (100% preferred; 80 % required).
  • 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, and budget.
  • 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.

Awardee – Requirements

    • 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.