We’ve been working with communities since the late 1970s to grow food as a strategy to reuse vacant land and stimulate neighborhood reinvestment. In recent years, the Conservancy has worked in partnership with Grow Pittsburgh and various funders to assist communities that seek to utilize their vacant land and start their own community vegetable gardens, or to improve the growing on active sites.
Thanks to many community supporters and volunteers, active community vegetable gardens exist throughout the region! Grow Pittsburgh has compiled a grower’s map if you are interested in learning more or volunteering at a garden in your neighborhood.
Community Garden Sustainability Fund
The Conservancy and Grow Pittsburgh work together to provide materials to existing community garden groups in Allegheny County to improve their long-term growth and sustainability. Since 2013, together we have supported 165+ community gardens with more than $350,000 worth of materials.
Community-focused food garden groups can receive materials such as fencing, raised bed components, compost and topsoil, signage, season extender materials and rain barrels, as well as technical assistance services, to keep their gardens growing well.
For examples of projects and submission guidelines, or to apply to the Community Garden Sustainability Fund, please visit Grow Pittsburgh's Community Sustainability Fund resource page.
Round 1 Application Period: February 15 - March 15
Round 2 Application Period: July 1 - August 1
Both application rounds are open to any size project provided they fit the specified budget guidelines.