The Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden have served the Beaver County area since 1901. We commit ourselves, our energies and our resources to the mission of unity – unity of ourselves with God and with each other; unity of neighbor with neighbor; and unity of neighbor with God.
We believe that God is alive in our world, in the people who work with us, in the people who join us in prayer and celebration, and in the people we serve. We are challenged by the critical needs of our neighbors here and around the world, but we are enriched by those who touch our lives, and we are filled with hope for the future.
The Motherhouse grounds are home to Miriam’s and Elizabeth’s Community Gardens, and they are a tangible expression of our mission of union through reconciliation. As a place where people come together around a common need (i.e. food), the gardens we tend together produce food that nourishes us individually, and when shared, builds stronger, healthier and more loving communities.
The Sister St. Mark Garden Fund was borne of the Sisters’ desire to assist other community gardens in surrounding neighborhoods to flourish, and to fulfill our mission of bringing unity with God and with neighbor.
Funding Goals
The Sister St. Mark Garden Fund will support the following goals of the Sisters of St. Joseph:
- To reduce food insecurity and provide healthy food choices for families and youth
- To help sustain community gardens in local neighborhoods
- To build community by nourishing grass-roots relationships and collaboration among the Sisters of St. Joseph, churches, groups and organizations that share in the hard work of this important ministry
Description of Grants
Grant applications will be accepted once annually. The application submission deadline is February 1, 2023. Award notifications will be made by February 10, 2023. The number and size of grant awards will be based on the amount of funding that the Sisters of St. Joseph allocate to the Sister St. Mark Garden fund each year. Most grants will range between $250 and $500, although consideration may be given to other requested amounts.
Smaller grants can provide local community garden organizers and managers funding for items or tools that are essential for sustainable operation of the community garden or maintenance. Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Seeds/transplants
- Garden tools
- Wheelbarrows
- Row covers
- Soaker hoses
- Fencing
- Live traps
- Power tools (trimmers, tillers, etc.)
- Lumber (for beds, benches, etc.)
- Items needed for harvesting produce or fruits
Larger grants can provide funding for projects that include but are not limited to security for gardens and equipment; efficient use of water or compostable materials; food and garden-themed community education events. Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Storage sheds
- Irrigation systems
- Upgraded fencing
- Small hoop houses
- Programmatic expenses
- Tools for harvesting produce or fruits
Eligibility and Submission Deadlines
- New or existing community food-focused garden groups may apply. Private gardens operated by individuals are not eligible for funding.
- Applicants may only apply for one grant per year, but may reapply during the next funding cycle.
- The grant application is below and must be completed in full and submitted on or before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Grant Reporting Requirements
Awardees agree to submit written reports to the Sister St. Mark Garden Fund no later than October 1, 2023 that describes: the use of grant funds, outcomes that could be attributed to grant funds, and any learnings that resulted. Failure to submit the required report will affect an awardee’s eligibility for future grants.
To share the story of your organization’s good works, we welcome photos of additions, improvements, programs or events that we can share (with your permission). If you have any questions please contact Alison Lucci, Director of Mission Advancement, 724-869-6570 or alucci@stjoseph-baden.org.