Apply now for a 2026 Kitchen Garden Kickstart Grant
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The Kitchen Garden Kickstart Grants, generously funded by General Mills, support under-resourced schools in establishing a Kitchen Garden Program.
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Twelve schools will each receive a $5000 infrastructure grant plus a two‑year Kitchen Garden Program membership.
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Schools with an ICSEA value of 1000 or under are eligible to apply. Apply here.
Applications are now open for our 2026 Kitchen Garden Kickstart Grants, supporting schools that want to bring food education to life but lack the resources to get started.
In 2026, 12 schools will receive a $5000 infrastructure grant and a two‑year Kitchen Garden Program start-up membership, providing the practical tools, guidance and expertise needed to establish a thriving, sustainable kitchen garden from scratch.
Over the years, Kickstart Grants, generously funded by General Mills, have supported 60 schools nationwide, helping them establish kitchen and garden spaces, build staff capacity, and create opportunities for shared meals and learning. In the past year alone, students and school communities enjoyed 65,520 fresh and delicious meals thanks to these grants!
Yanderra Public School, NSW
Who can apply?
These grants are designed for schools where limited resources may stand in the way of joining the Kitchen Garden Program.
Schools with an ICSEA value of 1000 or under are eligible to apply. You can check your school’s ICSEA value on the My School website.
Please note that current members of the Kitchen Garden Program are not eligible for these grants.
Applications close on 3 April 2026.
Brocklesby Public School, NSW
What’s included?
The 2026 Kickstart Grants provide everything a school needs to begin or revitalise a Kitchen Garden Program.
Each successful school receives:
A $5000 infrastructure grant
Funding that can be used for essential items such as:
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garden beds (including accessible raised beds), soil and seedlings
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ovens, fridges and kitchen equipment
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Tools and storage solutions
A two‑year Kitchen Garden Program membership, including:
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Personalised support via phone, email and video calls with the Kitchen Garden Team
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24/7 access to the Shared Table, our online kitchen garden resource library and community hub
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Monthly newsletter packed with shortcuts to planning kitchen garden classes
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Professional development and networking opportunities
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WaterUps member pricing and exclusive offers
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Membership to The Diggers Club
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And more!
Sacred Heart School, VIC
Highlights from the 2025 Kickstart Grants
Schools across Australia have shared powerful stories of how the grants have transformed their spaces, teaching, and student engagement:
“We have been able to establish the beginnings of a garden in a space that was under-utilised. There was absolutely nothing in this area and this grant has allowed us to purchase six raised garden beds, soil and plants to be able to establish a usable space that will be a crucial element in our middle school.” – Central Yorke School, SA
“We have purchased a wheelchair accessible raised bed, which will allow all students to participate in growing and tasting edible foods within this space." – Penguin District School, TAS
“Thank you for selecting our school to be a part of the program. This has ignited a journey for our school that will benefit the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider community for years to come. We are very grateful." - Brocklesby Public School, NSW
"Our Secondary students LOVE to cook, and this motivates them to come to school" – Nawarddeken Academy Mamadawerre School, NT
“We have now an outdoor/indoor kitchen set up for the whole school to use. Basically, the kitchen was empty and now is fully equipped with cooking utensils and appliances.” – Eimeo Road State School, QLD
Meet all the 2025 Kitchen Garden Kickstart Grants schools
APPLY FOR THE 2026 KICKSTART GRANTS
For any questions about your grant application or to learn more about the Kitchen Garden Program, reach out to membership@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au or 13000 SAKGF (13000 72543).
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