Community Garden Grants

Public gardens make our city better. They're a place for people to meet and be active. Gardens also help the environment. They support plants and animals and cool the planet. This can help the ACT in its commitment to net zero emissions by 2045. People and groups in the ACT can apply for a Community Garden Grant. Grant funding for 2023 is now closed.

About the program

The Community Gardens Grant program seeks to support a variety of garden types, not just traditional food gardens. Previous projects have included indigenous food style gardens, micro-forests and urban gardens to improve amenity and generate community attraction.

We welcome innovative ideas in line with ACT Government policies including the Living Infrastructure PlanClimate Change Strategy and Wellbeing Framework.

Please read the Community Garden Grants Program Guidelines for more information about the current grant round.

How it works

Community Garden Grants can fund:

  • materials to build a new community garden or enhance an existing garden
  • equipment or contractor hire
  • tools
  • minor infrastructure, e.g. storage sheds, pergolas, repair to existing garden beds and garden edging
  • significant infrastructure, e.g. earthworks for water harvesting and storage, plant propagation, fencing, plumbing, large-scale compost production and accessibility paths

Successful applications in Round 9 (2023–24) showed their projects aligned with at least one funding priority:

  • Benefit to the wider community, encourage social inclusion and/or promote healthy living.
  • Show principles of the circular economy, zero emissions and/or carbon sequestration.
  • Have a high level of community support, including volunteers and sponsorship.

Who can take part

The program is open to people and groups in the ACT, such as:

  • not-for-profit community groups
  • school communities – through their and parent and citizen groups
  • owner’s corporations
  • individuals and non-incorporated community groups with an incorporated community organisation sponsor
  • registered religious groups.

You'll need an ABN and public liability insurance to apply.

You also need to show that you have permission for the project, such as either:

  • a public land use permit
  • a land use approval from the private landowner
  • some projects will require further permissions such as an approved Development Application.

Land use approvals

All Community Garden Grant applications require approval to use the land on which the garden is to be constructed.

If the proposed garden is within the grounds of a school, apartment or townhouse complex, church, community service centre or a retirement village, written approval is required from the landowner or organisation.

If the location is on public unleased land you are required to seek Territory approval prior to construction. The type of garden you are developing will determine what approvals and documents you must apply for and complete.

Read factsheets on understanding different types of community gardens and how to apply for a permit or licence for more information on garden types and associated land use approval processes.

How to apply

  • Applications for the current round of funding have closed and the next round will open in May 2024.
  • View the guidelines for the previous round of the Community Garden Grants Program Guidelines
  • More information on the current and future rounds will be available on this page.

Why it's important

Food, sensory and landscape gardens can help people be healthier and happier.

Community gardens:

  • promote community and belonging
  • produce food and help reduce food waste
  • create animal and insect habitats
  • help cool our urban spaces
  • connect us with nature.

Previous funding rounds

Details of projects funded under previous rounds are below.

Round 9 projects 2023

Eighteen successful projects in Round 9 received a total of $106,747.57.

Canberra Environment Centre received $9,919.71 to establish a garden for local residents to connect and learn about all aspects of sustainable gardening. Including food production, composting, worm farming and effective water use.

Church of the Good Shepherd received $3,265.73 to further develop their existing community garden with additional garden beds and replacement of their garden shed.

Council on the Ageing ACT received $3,993 to increase productivity, efficiency and community engagement of their existing garden, by adding higher raised garden beds, seating and a herb garden.

Canberra City Care received $7,500 to restore their raised garden beds to increase productivity and provide a safer and user-friendly experience for volunteers. The project includes garden beds, drip irrigation and shade cloth.

Capital Region Community Services – Canberra Food Forestry received $2,192.52 to purchase new plants to infill and increase the planting density of the food forest, improving the forest’s resilience and its carbon capture potential.

Old Narrabundah Community Council received $8,291.19 to repair the roof of the secure tool shed, install a rainwater tank and increase the number of garden plots.

Canberra Montessori School received $6,123.40 to establish an eco-corridor in their existing Reconciliation Garden, develop a composting system for the community vegetable gardens and install a sustainable watering system.

Neville Bonner Primary Schools Parents and Citizens Association received $5,435.82 to revitalise their existing kitchen garden for use in classroom lessons, and their lunchtime environmental and gardening clubs.

Campbell Community Association Inc, Campbell Park Care received $4,936.80 to expand their existing community garden with the addition of wicking beds planted with seasonal produce.

Communities at Work received $3,835 to create four separate garden areas, where children will plant a range of bush tucker foods, fruits and vegetables for use in their services meals.

The Owners – Units Plan No 939 received $2,000 to complement their flower and fruit tree garden with the addition of raised garden beds planted with herbs and vegetables.

Franklin School Parents and Citizens received $13,922 to create a large-scale, sustainable and accessible wicking garden bed system to enhance student knowledge of best practice organically grown fresh food for a healthy lifestyle.

Scullin Community Group Incorporated received $9,773.01 to create a series of garden installations, providing visual and social appeal to the area while producing food, helping to reduce food waste, and creating habitat to increase biodiversity.

St. Anthony’s Parish Primary School received $8,620 to develop a living infrastructure garden space to learn about sustainable principles and practices for health and wellbeing through participation in food production.

Tuggeranong Link Community Houses and Centre’s Inc received $8,882.71 to provide a safe and welcoming space for local families and residents to meet and engage with a peaceful and sustainable sensory garden including raised garden beds.

UCA - Tuggeranong Uniting Church received $2,500 to make improvements to the paths around the neighbourhood garden and create a seating area for the family day care program children to utilise.

Unit Plan 269 – Taylor View received $2,003.96 to establish a garden allowing residents to grow their own food in a small space, while encouraging healthy and sustainable practices.

Winyu ECS YWCA Canberra received $3,552.72 to establish vegetable and herb garden beds  with composting stations to empower children and their families to grow their own food.

Round 8 projects 2022-23

Nine successful projects in Round 8 received a total of $41,145.61.

Council on the Ageing ACT received $7,742 to establish the Hughes Community Garden.

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra Goulburn Ltd received $7,140 to establish, in conjunction with Dirty Janes and Argyle Housing, the Good Works Garden in the Dirty Jane’s precinct in Fyshwick.

Yeddung Mura (Goodpathways) Aboriginal Corporation received $7,100 to establish the Yeddung Mura Community Reflective Vegetable Garden.

Margaret Hendry Parents and Citizens Committee Incorporated received $6,398.20 to establish the Margaret Hendry School Community Garden on its grounds, accessible for public use.

Hawker Community Landcare received $4,308 to enhance and expand the existing Hawker Community Garden.

Downer Preschool Parent Association received $2,255.50 to enhance the existing Downer Preschool Community Garden.

YWCA Canberra received $2,228 to establish the Spence Community Garden.

Holy Spirit Parish, Gungahlin received $2,079.71 to establish the Holy Spirit Community Garden, accessible to the parish, school, and wider community.

Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc. received $1894.20 to install raised garden beds in the existing Charnwood Community Garden.

Round 7 projects 2021-22

Ten successful projects in Round 7 received a total of $40,959.85.

  • Corey Le Mesurier and Arthur Lau received $7,744 to add a food forest garden to the Holt Community Micro-Forest.
  • Northside Community Services received $3,600 to develop a Treehouse Community Garden in the Park Early Childhood Centre.
  • Hawker Community Landcare received $2,462 to establish the Hawker Shops Community Garden.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc. received $999.60 to upgrade the irrigation system.
  • Friends of Blaxland Park received $2,421.10 establish native garden beds in Blaxland Park.
  • The Owners - Units Plan No 264 received $9,964 to establish the Cavill Court Community Gardens Project.
  • Weston Creek Men's Shed Inc. received $415.45 to expand the vegetable garden.
  • Campbell Park Care received $3,500 to establish wicking beds for an organic and edible community garden.
  • Canberra Montessori School received $5,217 to establish a European vegetable garden and an indigenous style food garden.
  • YWCA Canberra received $4,816.80 for The Gathering Garden, which provides fresh produce to the on-site food hub.

Round 6 projects 2020-21

Ten successful projects in Round 6 received a total of $39,388. The successful projects were announced on  28 August 2020.

  • Community Services 1 received $6,317 for a kitchen garden at its Narrabundah Wellbeing Hub.
  • Self Help Organisations United Together Inc received $6,207 for the Pearce Inclusive Community Garden.
  • Acacia Gardens Owners Corporation received $3,736.10 to enhance its residents' community garden in Lyneham.
  • Weston Creek Men's Shed Inc received $612.73 to build two garden beds in Rivett.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc received $4,558 to build a shelter in its Charnwood community garden.
  • Lyons Early Childhood School Parents & Citizen Association received $3,959 for the Lyons Community Bush Tucker Garden.
  • The Owners Unit Plan 013 received $2,341 for community garden beds and composting hub for residents of Goliath Court in O'Connor.
  • Possums Playschool Inc received $2,966 to establish a playful sensory garden at its playschool in Spence.
  • Capital Region Community Service received $8,055 for a community garden in the playground of the Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc received $636.40 to upgrade the Cook community garden irrigation system to reduce water consumption and save on energy bills.

Round 5 projects 2019-20

Eleven successful projects in Round 5 received a total of $50,230.94. The successful projects were announced on 27 September 2019.

  • Church of the Good Shepherd received $5,403 to create a community food garden to provide fresh produce for members and others in the Chisholm community.
  • Units Plan 4391 Laurana Terraces received $5,656 to create a food garden in Coombs.
  • Canberra Seed Savers Cooperative Ltd received $4,688 for Mobile Seed Libraries for Canberra community gardens.
  • Giralang Primary School Parents and Citizens received $4,705 to create a community garden in the school grounds.
  • University of Canberra Union received $2,100 to enhance the volunteer-run community garden at its Bruce campus.
  • Baringa Child Care Centre Association received $3,179 to create the Baringa Community Bush Tucker Garden in Spence.
  • Canberra City Farm Incorporated received $4,000 to buy propagation, crop protection and new equipment for its site in Fyshwick.
  • Self Help Organisations United Together Inc received $9,761 to create the Pearce Inclusive Community Garden.
  • Acacia Gardens Owners Corporation received $1,795 to establish a residential community garden in Lyneham.
  • Belconnen Community Service Inc received $7,830 for the Ngulli to Dyandai ('food to cook') community garden in Kippax.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society, Inc received $1,114 to enhance its community garden and run workshops to improve gardening capability.

Round 4 projects, 2018-19

Nine successful projects in Round 4 received a total of $40,000.

  • Wybelena Grove Owners Corporation received $5,419 to establish a new community garden within the townhouse complex.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc. (Betty Cornhill Garden) received $5,000 to extend the water reticulation system.
  • Hudson Square Owners Corporation received $2,491 to establish a new community garden within the apartment complex.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society Inc. (Mitchell Community Garden) received $8,300 to replace the fencing and gate within the existing community garden.
  • Lyneham Commons (Northside Community Service) received $2,800 to enhance the soil supporting the development of the Lyneham Commons Food Forest.
  • Canberra City Farm received $9,314 to expand the community garden and irrigation.
  • Evoque Residents Owners Corporation received $2,250 to establish a new community garden within the Apartment complex.
  • Nutrition Australia ACT Incorporated received $3,500 to renovate a kitchen garden to support a healthy cooking program.
  • ELAN Apartments Owners Corporation received $1,000 to establish a community garden in a unit complex.

Round 3 projects 2017-18

Eight successful projects in Round 3 received a total of $26,037.20.

  • Canberra Environment Centre received $2933.40 to buy a storage shed, upgrade tools and renew the ANU organic garden in Acton.
  • Hamilton Park Body Corporate received $2,325.80 to install a water tank and for new plants in their community garden in Lyneham.
  • Canberra Organic Growers' Society received $3,200 to expand water availability from the source so they can use more plots in the Mitchell Garden.
  • Northside Community Services Ltd received $4,304 to establish a community garden in Dickson to provide produce for The Pantry, which offers low-cost groceries to disadvantaged families.
  • Manning Clark House received $3,925 to develop an organic and sustainable garden space at Forrest to teach organic gardening techniques, waste stream management, composting and worm farming.
  • Kingston Organic Community Garden received $2,064 to replace old gardening equipment and tools.
  • O’Connor Community Incorporated received $2,500 to expand and enhance the existing O’Connor Tocumwal Housing Precinct Community Orchard.
  • Sentinel Residents' Community Garden Belconnen received $4,785 to establish garden beds for fresh produce so residents have vegetables and herbs for cooking.

Round 2 projects, 2016-17

Four successful projects in Round 2 received a total of $8,307.

  • Canberra Organic Growers Society received $1,550 to buy a storage shed for the Kambah Community Garden.
  • Communities@Work received $5,000 for the Galilee School Community Garden in Kambah.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society received $1,118 to buy a storage shed for the Cook Community Garden.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society received $639 to buy a lawn mower for the Charnwood Community Garden.

Round 1 projects 2015-16

Eight successful projects in Round 1 received a total of $24,998.87.

  • Kingston Organic Community Garden (Canberra Baptist Church) received $4,515 for rainwater transfer remediation.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society received $2,354 to buy a shed for the Cotter Garden in Curtin.
  • Salvation Army Community Housing received $3,167 for the Salvos Housing Community Garden in Narrabundah.
  • Canberra City Care received $3,572 for creating a garden in Charnwood.
  • Youth With A Mission received $4,304 to establish a community garden in Watson.
  • Richmond Fellowship ACT received $2,436.99 for the Fresh Mess Community Garden in Campbell.
  • Communities@Work received $4,110 for the Gungahlin Community Garden.
  • Canberra Organic Growers Society received $539.88 for a water pump at Dickson College.

Contact us

Email EPSDDCommunityGrants@act.gov.au
Phone 13 22 81

Visit grants.act.gov.au to learn more about ACT Government grants.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.