Community Garden Grant Program Launches for 2025

Applications are now open for Dilulu's 2025 Community Garden Grant Program, which will provide funding and technical support to 15 community-led initiatives across Africa. This year's program builds on the success of previous cycles, with expanded funding amounts and new categories designed to support a wider range of projects.

The Community Garden Grant Program, now in its sixth year, aims to empower local communities to develop sustainable food systems, preserve traditional agricultural knowledge, and create green spaces that serve as hubs for education and community building.

"Community gardens are powerful catalysts for positive change," says Marie Ndongo, Dilulu's Executive Director. "They not only improve food security and nutrition but also strengthen social bonds, preserve cultural knowledge, and create opportunities for environmental education. Through this grant program, we aim to support communities in developing garden projects that reflect their unique needs, resources, and aspirations."

Grant Categories

For 2025, the program offers funding in four categories, each designed to support different types of community garden initiatives:

Each grant includes both financial support and a comprehensive package of technical assistance, including:

• Site assessment and design consultation
• Training workshops for garden coordinators and volunteers
• Access to Dilulu's resource library and e-learning platform
• Ongoing mentorship throughout the grant period
• Networking opportunities with other community garden initiatives
• Documentation and evaluation support

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The Community Garden Grant Program is open to community-based organizations, schools, neighborhood associations, and other local groups in the following countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a legally registered organization or affiliated with one
• Demonstrate community support and participation
• Have secured land access for at least three years
• Commit to sustainable and ecological gardening practices
• Have a clear plan for garden management and maintenance

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Community Engagement: Level of community involvement in planning, implementation, and management
• Sustainability: Ecological practices and long-term viability
• Impact Potential: Anticipated benefits for food security, education, and community building
• Innovation: Creative approaches to addressing local challenges
• Inclusivity: Efforts to engage diverse community members, including youth, women, and elders
• Feasibility: Realistic planning and resource allocation

"We're looking for projects that demonstrate strong community ownership and a commitment to sustainable practices," explains Jean-Pierre Mbungu, Dilulu's Community Programs Director. "The most successful applications are those that clearly articulate how the garden will address specific community needs and how various stakeholders will be involved in its development and management."

Application Process and Timeline

The application process has been designed to be accessible while still providing the information needed for thorough evaluation:

Interested organizations can apply through any of the following methods:

• Online: Complete the application form at grants.dilulu.org
• Email: Download the application form and submit to grants@dilulu.org
• In Person: Visit any Dilulu regional office to obtain and submit a paper application

Application materials are available in English, French, Swahili, and Portuguese.

Support for Applicants

To help potential applicants develop strong proposals, Dilulu is offering several support resources:

• Information Sessions: Virtual and in-person information sessions in each eligible country (schedule available on our website)
• Application Guides: Detailed guides with tips for completing each section of the application
• Office Hours: Weekly virtual office hours where potential applicants can ask questions and receive guidance
• Peer Connections: Opportunities to connect with previous grant recipients for advice and insights

"We encourage all interested groups to take advantage of these support resources," says Aminata Diop, Grants Program Coordinator. "Even if you're in the early stages of planning a community garden, these sessions can help you refine your ideas and develop a strong application."

Impact of Previous Grants

Since its inception in 2020, the Community Garden Grant Program has supported 63 community garden initiatives across Africa. These gardens have collectively:

• Produced over 75,000 kg of fresh, nutritious food
• Engaged more than 12,000 community members
• Provided hands-on learning experiences for 8,500 children
• Preserved and propagated 120+ varieties of indigenous crops
• Created 85 part-time and 12 full-time jobs
• Established 28 seed saving networks

"The impact of these gardens extends far beyond the numbers," notes Dr. Kwame Osei, Dilulu's Board Chair. "They've become vibrant community hubs where knowledge is shared, cultural traditions are celebrated, and intergenerational connections are strengthened. Many have also become catalysts for broader community development initiatives."

Looking Ahead

The 2025 grant cycle represents an expansion of the program, with increased funding amounts and the addition of the Innovation Projects category. This expansion is made possible through new partnerships with several foundations and corporate sponsors committed to supporting sustainable community development in Africa.

"As we've seen the program grow, we've also seen the increasing sophistication and ambition of the applications we receive," says Marie Ndongo. "Communities are developing innovative approaches to address challenges like water scarcity, climate change, and limited land access. Through the expanded grant program, we hope to support these innovations and help scale successful models."

In addition to the individual grants, the 2025 program will include enhanced opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration among grantees through regional gatherings, a digital community of practice, and a documentation initiative to capture and share lessons learned.

For more information about the Community Garden Grant Program, please visit grants.dilulu.org or contact grants@dilulu.org.