The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District is requesting proposals for projects to develop, sustain, and expand classroom agricultural education programs in Suffolk County schools (K-12). The goal of this grant is to increase awareness of local agricultural production in Suffolk County, and to strengthen the connection students have with healthy, fresh, local foods. This grant provides funding for programs aimed at increasing student awareness of growing food. Projects may include indoor agriculture infrastructure (grow lights/grow table, hydroponics, etc.) or program in traditional outdoor settings (raised beds, greenhouses, etc.). This is a competitive grant. Awards range from $500 to $3,000. Awards will be made to qualifying applicants who provide the information requested below – please limit proposals to three pages or less.
Provide a plan that demonstrates how the proposed program will provide impactful educational opportunities for the students. Justifications should emphasize the educational goals and the impacts of the project and identify the individual who will be responsible for the program’s administration. Please make sure that the proposal addresses the following questions/topics for the Project Description:
- What type of garden/growing equipment will be installed and for what purpose?
- How will students be involved in the project?
- How will the project be integrated into the classroom? Which teachers and departments will benefit from the project?
- What will you do with the food/plants that you grow?
- How will you measure student knowledge gained? Will agricultural education be used to satisfy curriculum requirements (e.g., Common Core) and/or other elective courses (Art, Tech, cooking)?
- How will the project be maintained or utilized throughout the year? How will the project be continued in subsequent years?
- Do you currently have any agricultural education programs or related after-school clubs?
- Roughly what percentage of students rely on free/reduced price meals how will this program impact them? Explain any current food security issues present in the school/community.
Provide a projected itemized budget in simple table form (see example below) that lists all project costs including equipment, supplies, etc. This grant will not provide funding for labor. All District provided funds must be expended by Dec. 31, 2025.
Projects that receive matching support (either cash or in-kind contributions) will score higher than proposals without match. Labor may be counted as matching support.
Demonstrate project support from stakeholders such as teachers, administrators, and parents. Letters of support are strongly encouraged, and will not count toward the three page proposal limit.
- Proposals will only be accepted from schools in Suffolk County.
- Proposals must be received by COB February 28, 2025. Please submit proposals to Jill.Dieterich@SuffolkCountyNY.Gov
2025 Agriculture Education in the Classroom
Suggested Proposal Format (limited to three pages)
Title of Proposal: Growing Students at GHS
Name/Address of School: General High School 123 Plain Road, Nowhere, NY 56789
Project Leader: Name/position/title/contact information (phone and email)
Other Project Cooperators: Name/title/contact information (phone and email)
Project Description: Thoroughly answer questions 1 through 8 (see first page) and describe the proposed project, its educational goals, and plans for future funding (i.e. project sustainability and longevity)
Project Budget: Please use sample below as a guide. Remember that while labor cannot be funded in this grant, but you may include volunteer labor as match.
| Budget Line
|
Items/Amount
|
Detials/Notes
|
Line Total
|
| Supplies: (List items individually)
|
- Top soil - $150
- Compost - $100
- Plugs - $250
|
To be purchased in May
|
$500
|
| Equipment: (List items individually)
|
- 8’x12’ Greenhouse - $1,800
- Work benches - $500
- Hose - $100
|
To be purchased in April
|
$2,400
|
| Misc: (List items individually)
|
- First Aid Kit - $30
- Reference Book - $70
|
To be purchased in June
|
$100
|
| In-Kind Match: (List items individually)
|
|
50 Volunteer Hours @ $10/Hour
|
$500
|
| Cash Match: (List items individually)
|
- PTA Contribution - $500
- Partner Donation- $1,000
|
Cash donation towards project
|
$1,500
|
| Total Match:
|
$2,000
|
| *Total Requested:
|
$3,000
|
| Project Total:
|
$5,000
|
Project Timeline: Provide a timeline for the project, including when purchases will be made, when construction/installation begins and is completed, as well as when you will begin using the project for educational activities..
Letters of Support and/or Partnership: Please attach any and all letters of support/partnership to the application. (They do not count towards the three page limit.)