Community gardens have numerous benefits to Memphis neighborhoods, including reclaiming vacant lots, providing healthy food, fostering self-sufficiency, and creating community gathering places that improve and enrich the quality of life.  That's why GrowMemphis has teamed up with Memphis Housing and Community Development to grant $5,000 in 2012 to new community garden projects.

In 2011, GrowMemphis funded two projects: Green Leaf Learning Farm at Knowledge Quest in South Memphis, and the Neighborhood School in Binghampton.  Green Leaf Learning Farm is a educational youth farming and gardening project on two-thirds of an acre.  Soon to be USDA Certified Organic, Green Leaf grows vegetables that are shared with community residents and sold at the South Memphis Farmers Market and to local restaurants.  Over 500 lbs of produce was grown in 2011 - the project's first year.

The most consistent encouragement is watching students eat vegetables right off the plants and being surprised at how good it is.  Literally a day does not go by where at least three students don't ask me, 'Mr. Man, are we going to the garden today?'  -- Christian Man, Green Leaf Learning Farm

The Neighborhood School is a private school in Binghampton serving low-income students from the surrounding neighborhood.  While teachers and students had been growing vegetables in a small garden, there was a need to expand that garden to grow fresh produce to supply the cafeteria, and to engage the local residents in growing their own food.  Thanks to support from GrowMemphis and other community partners, the garden is now brimming with winter greens to be enjoyed by students, their families, and other local residents.   

From now until January 31st, 2012, GrowMemphis is accepting applications for 2012 garden grants.  New garden projects can apply for up to $1,500 in equipment and supplies, and up to $1,500 for site improvements.

SERVICES PROVIDED

- Up to $1,500 in supplies and equipment and up to $1,500 in contract services and site improvement
- Technical support in the form of phone calls and site visits
- Access to a network of experienced urban and community gardeners
- Access to collective projects including marketing of produce, seed and supply purchasing, and seed starting
- Quarterly workshops and trainings

REQUIREMENTS

- GrowMemphis member gardens are required to sign an agreement to: attend monthly meetings and quarterly workshops; use organic growing methods whenever possible; and share information and resources with other garden projects
- All receipts must be submitted for reimbursement
- The garden must be located in an HCD target neighborhood and serve low-income residents (see below)
- Garden project must have been in operation for less than one year and never previously received funds from GrowMemphis

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Demonstration of Need (40%) – The applicant is able to articulate the need for a garden project.   The purpose and/or goals of the garden project are stated and are aligned with the statement of need.

Likelihood of Success (40%) – the applicant is able to demonstrate that the project has: leadership from the community it intends to serve;  a plan to sustain the project in the long term; sufficient community and volunteer support; and, appropriate support and/or permission from a sponsoring agency or land owner.

Budget (20%) – the project has other sources of support, whether monetary or in-kind, and the budget is realistic and appropriate.

Applicants will be notified by February 29th whether or not they have been awarded.
All funds must be spent and receipts submitted by June 31st, 2012.

Target Neighborhoods:

Uptown
University Place
New Chicago
Linden/ Pontotoc
Whitehaven/West Whitehaven/Levi
Frayser
Binghampton
Hickory Hill/ Southeast Memphis
Southgate
College Park/Soulsville USA
Fairgrounds/University District/Beltline
South Memphis
Cooper Young
Victorian Village
Zipper Zone/Midtown Corridor
Jackson Avenue Corridor
Legends Park
Hollywood Springdale
Latham Terrace
Medical Center
Orange Mound
Bickford/Bearwater/Uptown North
Downtown
Hyde Park/Douglas
Glenview
Raleigh
Riverview Kansas
Mall of Memphis/Parkway Village
Pyramid/Pinch District
Heart of the Arts/Overton Square
Klondike/Smokey City
Berclair
MANDCO
St. Mary’s/SMART
Annesdale Snowden
Aerotropolis
Riverfront
Triangle Noir
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For an application or for more information, please email Josephine Alexander at josephine@midsouthpeace.org, or call 901-725-4990