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The Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association (BAMGA), an organization of trained volunteers under Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, is now accepting grant applications for 2025 gardening projects. Our intent is to foster learning by integrating educational experiences in horticulture and the natural world through the development of community or school gardens. Grants will be awarded based on merit to any educational, care-giving or community-based organization seeking to educate, involve, and/or improve quality of life for participants through a gardening-related project. Organizations in Bedford County and the Town of Bedford are encouraged to apply. Grants may be awarded to public and private schools, 4-H groups, public libraries, other educational groups, as well as community gardens and nursing homes. Funding may be provided for, but not limited to, creating public gardens (vegetable and flower), raising plants for sale (4-H), composting, purchasing plant labels and gardening tools, to name a few, but not for labor, travel, food or similar.
Key factors that will be considered are educational value, reducing food insecurity, positive environmental impact (including options to avoid use of invasive plants and encouraging native plants), active involvement of participants, and plans for long-term maintenance if relevant. Strictly ornamental gardens are not eligible. Up to 4 grants of $250 each will be considered.
Applications can be sent electronically to gardengrant@bedfordareamastergardeners.org or by U.S. mail to BAMGA Garden Grants, 1257 County Farm Rd., Suite B., Bedford VA 24523.
Application submissions start October 1, 2024 and must be received by January 31, 2025. Decisions will be made by February 21, 2025, and funds will be distributed shortly thereafter.
BAMGA would like to congratulate the Bedford Public Library System Foundation and the Bedford Urban Garden (BUG) as this year’s Garden Grant recipients.
The BPLS Foundation will be using the money to purchase all supplies needed for a tomato starting workshop to be held early in 2025.
BUG is purchasing plants that will be grown by the BUG Board for donation to Bedford Christian Ministries and the John B. Early apartments.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.