School Garden Grants

What is the School Garden Grants programme? 

Our School Garden Grants programme offers schools in selected London boroughs and cities an opportunity to receive up to £2,000 to establish or renovate a school garden. Through a generous partnership with Whole Kids (a pillar of Whole Foods Market Foundation), we have awarded over £631,000 in Garden Grants to more than 400 schools across London in the past 11 years.

How can your school receive a Garden Grant?  

Each year, School Food Matters selects up to six London boroughs to benefit from the grants. Any school in the designated London boroughs is eligible to submit an application. Once submitted, School Food Matters works with representatives from each of the borough councils to review the applications and select the successful schools. This year, schools in the following London boroughs were eligible to apply: 

• Barnet
• Croydon
• Haringey
• Lewisham
• Redbridge

New for 2026: Liverpool! This year, for the first time, we are taking our Garden Grants programme outside London! Schools in Liverpool were invited to apply and we will be awarding 8-10 grants to schools across the city. 

Winning schools in both London and Liverpool can apply to receive additional support such as gardening training courses for teachers and gardening sessions for up to 30 students with an School Food Matters gardener to help them incorporate their new growing space into the school curriculum.

Applications are now closed!

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Need help setting up your school garden?  

Check out our dedicated gardening resources page.

School Garden Grants have had a huge impact on school communities

“As a small special school supporting young people who have mental health challenges, we value every opportunity to develop relaxation skills through contact with nature. The new garden allows them to do just this and it has shown a real benefit in their wellbeing.” - Teacher 

“Living in inner London means that many children are far removed from nature and any opportunity they get to experience it is of huge value. The fact that the children can see vegetables and wildflowers growing, and the wealth of wildlife that this attracts is a real value to them, both physically and mentally. I know that my two children have greatly enjoyed the time they have spent in their new school garden.” - Parent