Awards

Our 2025/26 application season is now open.
Please refer to the dates listed below for application processing!

Sage Garden Project funds dedicated garden & cooking instructors at underserved elementary schools throughout California.

Who May Apply?

Note: All applications must be submitted by the school site principal on our website

Currently funded Sage Garden Project award recipient schools located within San Diego County

Funded schools with a strong sustainability plan

Funded schools set to meet 2024/45 MOU expectations

What does the Sage Garden Project award include?

Up to $20,000 towards a garden and cooking instructor’s compensation ONLY (money may not be used for materials or supplies)

Wild Wisdom Garden/Cooking curriculum access

A fully-equipped mobile cooking cart for new awardees

3-day Educator summer training

a note…

Sage Garden Project’s goal is to provide funding to schools that are ready to start establishing their garden/cooking programing. The award is meant to be a starting point to build a program that will garner support from public and private partners to create long term sustainability. Awardees should understand the Sage Garden Project funding is short term and not guaranteed from one year to the next.

New Applicant Requirements

We will not be taking new school applications for 2025/26 as we will be spending the year investing deeper in our currently funded schools.

But, you ALL matter to us! If your school is in need of support for a garden/cooking educator in California we want to hear from you! Please click on this box and answer a few questions as we work towards getting every child in California garden & cooking education.

Reach Out

Returning School Requirements

An eligible school will have utilized funds and has shown measurable success with the program this year and will have met all of these markers:

MOU EXPECTATIONS

R

They have met the Wild Wisdom Garden & Cooking lesson requirement

R

They will have run a year-long, robust garden & cooking program

R

They will have contracted and paid instructor(s) in a timely manner

R

Their garden and cooking instructor will have had participated in regional meetings

R

They will have used their awarded funds solely for instructor compensation

R

They will have used their award in its entirety by the end of the 2023/24 school year

R

They will have used their supplemental Sprouts funds appropriately and fully

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

R

They have made a diligent effort to move towards program sustainability of funding the educator position by…

(one or more of the following)
  • Allocating money towards the funding of an educator (site/Title 1/district funds)
  • Establishing community partner support
  • Seeking grant funding
  • Leading school/PTA fundraisers
  • Allocating community school funds
R

They have put effort into the garden/cooking infrastructure

Examples:
  • Beautifying the space
  • Community work days
  • Sought after grant funding for classroom/garden improvements
Returning School Application

2025/26 Award Application Timeline

Dec 16

Applications Open

Jan 13

Applications Due

Jan 14 - 17

Check In Sign-Ups

Jan 22 - 30

Mid-Year Check In’s

May 1

Year-End Wrap Up Docs Live

May 9

Wrap Up Docs Due

Mid-May

Final Decisions Delivered

Apply for our 2025-2026 Awards

Returning Schools

If you have any questions, please reach out to

kimberly@sagegardenproject.org