Eligibility

K-12 teachers and school employees working in Texas public or private schools may apply. Applicants must be planning or expanding a school or youth garden program. Programs must include a plan to connect students to agriculture and food systems concepts. There is no minimum school size or district enrollment requirement.

Program Goals

The Learning From the Ground Up Garden Grant is part of the Texas Farm Bureau's Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program. It funds school and youth garden projects that connect students to agricultural science, plant biology, sustainability, and food literacy. The program supports hands-on outdoor learning experiences that build environmental awareness and STEM skills through gardening.

Application and Distribution

Teachers apply online through the Texas Farm Bureau AITC website each fall. Applications must include a project description, educational goals, and a budget. Awards are announced after the September deadline, and funded projects begin in the following school year semester. Funds are sent directly to the school or district.

Cycle Notes

The grant runs on an annual cycle with a fall deadline, typically in September. The 2026 deadline is September 21. Visit the Texas Farm Bureau AITC website to confirm current deadlines and download the application form.

Grant Award Amount

Awards are up to $1,000 per project. Funds can be used for garden supplies, seeds, soil, raised bed materials, and educational resources that directly support the garden program. Equipment purchases should be documented and tied to specific learning objectives.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Learning From the Ground Up Grant in Texas?

K-12 teachers in Texas public or private schools may apply. Applicants must be building or expanding a school garden program. There are no enrollment minimums or district size requirements.

How much funding is available through Learning From the Ground Up?

Awards are up to $1,000 per project. This is a small grant designed to help start or grow school gardens, not fund large infrastructure projects.

Can Learning From the Ground Up funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Learning From the Ground Up funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do Texas schools apply for the Learning From the Ground Up Grant?

Apply online through the Texas Farm Bureau AITC website by the September deadline. Include a project description, learning goals, and an itemized budget. Visit texasfarmbureau.org/youth/ag-in-the-classroom for the current application link.

How can Forward Education help with Learning From the Ground Up funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.