Application Details
Eligibility
Proposals may be for new sensory gardens or for new components within existing gardens. All garden sizes are eligible. Applicant must be a non-profit organization, a municipality, town, other unit of government, community group, garden club, scout troop, hospital, rehabilitation center, cooperative, cooperative extension unit or similar. Strong applicants will have support from internal constituents as well as external collaborators.
Funding may support the design, creation, renovation, or enhancement of sensory gardens in nonprofit or public settings such as but not limited to:
- Public gardens and arboreta
- Parks or nature centers
- Hospitals or rehabilitation centers
- Senior living facilities
- Community gardens
- Other therapeutic or nonprofit locations
All projects must be accessible to the public and include features that support multi-sensory engagement, such as but not limited to:
- Plants selected for fragrance, texture, color, or taste
- Water or sound elements
- Tactile or interactive installations
- Accessible pathways, signage, or seating areas
- Design elements that create a calm and engaging atmosphere
Inspiration
To prepare your proposal, review the AHS Youth Sensory Gardening Manual and the Sensory Garden Examples and Resources. The AHS Youth Sensory Gardening Manual details the eight senses, techniques to engage the senses with plants, and worksheets to plan a garden based on the senses. Sensory Garden Examples and Resources highlights exemplary sensory gardens in the AHS Garden Network, offering an overview of their designs, plants, and programming.
Selection
Applications will be evaluated based on the proposed project’s:
- Community benefit and impact
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Alignment with sensory garden principles
- Demonstrated commitment to long-term care and maintenance of the garden
Applicants will be selected based on the strength of the components required in the application, with consideration to creativity and innovation of the proposed projects.
How to Apply
The application period is open from now until April 26, 2026. To apply, you will complete the application linked below. We encourage you to review the application and prepare materials in advance of filling out the application.
Administration
Grant recipients will be notified in June 2026. Funds will be disbursed upon formal acceptance and must be spent on the proposed project between July 2026 and June 2027. Grantees are responsible for managing the grant, accounting for grant monies, and reporting to AHS. Grantees will be asked to submit an interim report after one year including a design, planting list, and photos of the completed garden. A final report will be requested after two years. Reports may be included in AHS communications to highlight the impact of the Fund.
Contact
Courtney Alsua
Director of National Programs
703.768.5700 ext. 121
programs@ahsgardening.org