We Want to Help Grow Your Classroom Budget
We want to help you get the seed money needed to start and/or foster a school garden project at your school—literally! So we’re awarding grants of up to $2,500 to Alberta’s teacher from K – 12.
Supported by the AMA Community Foundation, the School Garden Studio bursary will be awarded to fund experiential learning projects that teach students how to grow their own food. If this sounds like a good fit for you, keep reading to see how to qualify and apply.
Applications open from Aug. 21 – Oct. 2, 2026
Who Can Apply:
The following groups are invited to apply for the School Garden Studio bursary:
- Alberta Teachers: Educators working with grade K – 12 students across Alberta who are dedicated to integrating food literacy concepts into their curriculum and extracurricular activities.
- Principals: School leaders who recognize the importance of promoting nutrition education and gardening skills among students and are committed to supporting their grade K – 12 teaching staff in implementing effective programming.
- Alberta School Councils: Representative bodies comprising parents, community members, and school staff who are actively involved in enhancing the educational experience for students. School Councils with a vested interest in fostering food literacy and sustainability initiatives within their school community are encouraged to apply.
What Kind of Equipment Can be Funded:
If you have a project in mind but aren’t sure if this bursary is the right fit for you, here are a few examples of the type of equipment we’re looking to help fund:
- Grow lights
- Bins (for planting)
- Soil
- Soil amendments
- Seeds
- Seed trays
- Grow bags
- Gardening gloves
- Compost worms
- Pre-built greenhouses
- Wood (for raised gardening beds)
- Shovels
- Wheelbarrows
- Rain barrels
The Bursary does not fund items unrelated to food growing, which include, but are not limited to:
- General landscaping or decorative materials
- Large-scale construction or permanent structures
- Powered or commercial-grade equipment
- Personal technology
- Ongoing operational costs (such as utilities or wages)
- Project costs that have already been incurred
- Items intended primarily for resale or personal use outside of the project
Application Checklist
Before you begin your application it’s best to do the following:
1. Read the complete Terms and Conditions
- Set your self up for success by learning all the ins and outs of this bursary
2. Do the math
- Prep a list of any costs associated with your garden project (that will help show us what your financial need looks like)
3. Know your equipment
- Keep a list of the supplies you’re hoping to purchase
4. Articulate your goals
- Find the best words to describe the impact you hope your garden project will have on your school’s community