Imagine all of the social benefits if more of the world’s gardeners found a way to share their knowledge, time, seeds and harvests with those in need in their own communities. The Maine-based nonprofit Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI) is working to make it easier for gardeners to share what they know and grow through a program called Sow It Forward.
The program provides grants of cash, seeds, supplies, educational publications (including free subscriptions to MOTHER EARTH NEWS) and online garden-planning software to schools, community gardens, food pantries, and other community-based causes interested in starting or sustaining a kitchen garden project. But more than just a grants program, Sow It Forward invites these like-minded causes to be partners in KGI’s work, and to use its network and Web-based tools to tell their stories and connect with new friends near and far. In 2013, KGI awarded 80 garden grants of $300 to $600 each, and is on track to offer even more next year. To learn more about the program and how to apply for a grant to back a garden project, visit Kitchen Gardeners International.
