Details of our 2008 grants winners are available here >>>

Each year Australia's Open Garden Scheme Community Grants program provides a total of $55,000 across Australia for 30 garden-related community projects. The next round of grants will be announced in May 2009 and application forms will be available from this site.

Guidelines
Essential Information
Selection Criteria
Background
How the Community Benefits
Donations by garden owners
Garden Scheme grants

Guidelines for our Grants program

  • Applications are invited from individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
  • A project may be jointly funded but details of other funding should be included with the application.
  • Schools and educational institutions are eligible to apply.
  • For schools applying for grants, direct evidence of student participation in the planning and implementation of the project is an advantage.

    Essential Information required

  • Applications must include detailed costings of all aspects of the project.
  • Applications must include a timetable for completion of the project.
  • Applications must be accompanied by at least two independent references.

    Selection Criteria

    All applications should address the following selection criteria:

  • The project must be of lasting benefit to the local and wider community.
  • The project must be accessible to the public on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
  • The project must have the demonstrated support of the local community.
  • The project should involve volunteers and/or community based groups.
  • The project should enhance the knowledge and pleasure of gardening.
  • The project may have educational or historical relevance to the community.


    Background

    The 2008 Community Grants Program builds on the success of ten previous annual programs that have returned $925,000 to the community. Since 1987 the Scheme has funded 385 community projects around Australia.

    Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a self-funding, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening to all Australians.

    Each year more than 250,000 people visit around 650 private gardens which open for the Scheme. The entry fees charged fund the Scheme's operation.

    Funds surplus to operating costs are returned to the community in the form of grants for garden-related projects.

    Australia's Open Garden Scheme in association with ABC Radio is proud to offer these grants to community organisations for the creation or improvement of a garden for a public or community outdoor space.

    ABC Radio has been a proud supporter of the Scheme since its inception in 1987. From local Saturday morning gardening talkback to 'Gardening Australia' on ABC Television, the ABC supports and recognises gardening as one of Australia's most popular pastimes.

    How the Community Benefits

    Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a self-funding, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening.

    By opening Australia's finest private gardens to the public, the community benefits financially in two very distinct ways: by donations to charity by our garden owners, and by the Scheme's own Community Grants program.

    Donations by garden owners

    Since 1987 the Scheme's garden owners have donated more than $4 million to charity. Last season alone, our garden owners donated nearly $370,000 to charities and local causes. These funds were raised through garden entry fees, refreshment stalls, plants sales and various other activities on open days.

    Community Garden Grants

    The Scheme is committed to encouraging gardening and improving our environment. One of the ways we achieve this is by funding community-based garden projects. Each year, funds surplus to our operational costs are returned to the community in the form of grants.

    Since 1987, community projects around Australia have benefited to the tune of $925,000. This is in addition to funding our own national expansion.

    Recipients of funds include Botanic Gardens which play a vital role in encouraging plant diversity and education. We have funded the identification of important plant collections which enhance the community's knowledge and appreciation of plant diversity.

    The Scheme's commitment to the gardeners of the future is aptly demonstrated by the substantial number of school gardens which have received funding, encouraging tomorrow's gardeners.

    The therapeutic qualities of gardens and plants have also ensured that hospitals and retirement villages have been the focus of a number of grants.

    A growing interest in the gardening heritage of Australia is also reflected in grants given for tree surgery, restoration of hard landscaping, undergrounding of utilities and research into historic gardens.

    Inspired by the enthusiasm of community groups, the Scheme has provided funds for projects which are enhancing towns and cities across the breadth of Australia. Included among these are a number of gardens celebrating specific plant collections.

    In recognition of the challenges of gardening in our climate, the Scheme has also been involved in the construction of a Waterwise Garden, the installation of watering systems in historic gardens and a Fire Safe Garden in a bushfire-prone region.

  • More details about the diverse projects funded in previous years ...
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