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The National Garden Bureau (NGB), in partnership with American Meadows, Ball Horticultural Company and Sakata Seed America, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Therapeutic Garden Grant program. Now in its 12th edition, the initiative will award a total of $7,500 to support North American organizations that utilize the power of gardens to heal, rehabilitate and restore.
Since 2014, this program has provided more than $62,000 in funding to therapeutic horticulture programs. These grants underscore a collective commitment to the life-changing benefits of garden-based healing — from reducing stress and anxiety to improving physical motor skills and fostering community connection.
“Therapeutic gardens provide more than just beauty; they are essential spaces for emotional and physical recovery,” says Diane Blazek, executive director, National Garden Bureau. “We are proud to continue this tradition of supporting the horticultural therapists and organizations that facilitate these vital human-plant interactions.”
Grant details and eligibility
For 2026, five grants will be awarded to organizations that meet the following criteria:
- Professional: Programs must be led or advised by a Registered Horticultural Therapist or involve defined therapeutic goals in a rehabilitative setting.
- Defined Impact: The garden must be used for job training, vocational therapy, food production or environmental education.
- Community Reach: Applicants must serve a significant number of individuals monthly and have maintained non-profit status for at least one year.
A panel of experts will select five primary finalists from the applications. To engage the broader gardening community, each finalist will submit a one-minute video showcasing their program’s impact. These videos will be subject to a public vote on the National Garden Bureau’s social media channels from Sept. 15-30. The application window is open now and will close on July 1. Qualified organizations are encouraged to apply, and the public is invited to share this opportunity with local healing gardens, hospitals and vocational centers.
For full eligibility requirements and to submit an application, visit the grant program criteria webpage.
