What is KC Grow?
KC Grow is a
$75,000 grant program sponsored by the City of Kansas City, MO and administered
by Kansas City Community Gardens, with technical assistance from Kansas City
Community Gardens and Cultivate Kansas City. This program assists community
gardens and farms in Kansas City, MO.
How can KC Grow help my community garden or farm?
As urban
gardeners and farmers turn vacant lots and lawns into productive growing space,
they often face water accessibility and affordability issues. KC Grow can help
resolve these issues in your garden or farm by:
o assessing the amount of water needed
to sustain your garden or farm
o evaluating water access options
o connecting you to resources that will
best meet your garden or farm’s water needs
o providing small grants to help you
implement the recommended water access strategies
How do I participate?
1. Fill out the “Request more Information” form below.
2.
Our
team will contact you to discuss your water needs and schedule a water audit. A
water audit is a process that analyzes your farm or garden’s water use, plot
size and the area’s average annual rainfall.
3.
Your
completed water audit will recommend ways you can increase water access and affordability
for your garden or farm. It also provides best water practices and sources;
soil improvement and conservation recommendations; best mulching practices; and
water budget estimations.
4.
You
can apply for a KC Grow Small Grant to help increase your water access. Please
note: a water audit is required to apply for a grant.
5.
Our
team can help you implement your water access plan.
KC Grow Small
Grants help gardeners and farmers implement their water audit recommendations. You
may request a KC Grow Small Grant application after you complete a water audit.
The grants fund the following:
o rainwater and storm water catchment
systems
o municipal water line tap and hydrant
installation
o spigot meter and PVC connection
o water pumping systems
o drip irrigation systems
Other water
access projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they are recommended
on the water audit.
Important details:
- Grant funds can be requested to cover 90 percent of your
project.
- You must demonstrate the ability to pay the remaining percentage of
your project cost.
- To be eligible for the grant, your garden/farm must be in good standing with your KC Water bill for at least one year prior to your grant application
- Applicants need to be either a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status or a farm business. If your group does not have 501(c)(3) status, you would need a sponsor organization. Contact cpg@kccg.org for more details.
- Refer to the Grant Review Rubric to ensure you qualify and your application is complete.
When are applications due?
The Small Grants Review Committee will
review requests two times per year and award as scheduled:
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Deadline for Application
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Grants Awarded
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February 2nd, 2024
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February 20th, 2024
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What will KC Grow Small Grants not fund?
o
Home
gardeners and gardeners not part of a community garden or farm
o
Non-edible
gardens, as grants are intended for growing food
o
A
garden or farm’s water bill
o
Garden
and farm projects not included in the water audit recommendations
o
Garden
landscaping projects
o Any projects outside of KCMO city limits