GrowBoston, the City of Boston’s Office of Urban Agriculture, is offering a total of $180,000 in grant funding to support the implementation of innovative food production strategies throughout the city. This funding initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to enhance sustainable, resilient, and community-based urban agriculture. The program specifically targets forward-thinking approaches to food production that explore non-traditional agricultural techniques, innovative technologies, and climate-adaptive methods.

Eligible projects may incorporate hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and food production in unconventional spaces such as rooftops or indoors. Additionally, the program encourages applications that utilize indigenous or non-traditional agricultural practices, broadening the range of cultural and technical approaches that can help local communities grow food in urban environments. This initiative aims to strengthen Boston’s local food system and advance climate resilience.

The grant is funded through the City of Boston’s Operating Funds and provides individual grant awards of up to $50,000. The total funding pool available is $180,000. Nonprofit and community organizations are eligible to apply, provided they are working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. This requirement ensures fiscal accountability while also broadening access to grassroots or informal groups that may not be incorporated as standalone nonprofits.

Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. To assist prospective applicants, GrowBoston is hosting an information session on April 17 at 11:00 a.m. Interested individuals must register in advance to attend the session. The grant application process will be conducted through the City of Boston’s new grants management platform, WizeHive. A comprehensive “Applicant Guide” slide deck is available to help users navigate the new system, from submission through to award acceptance and reporting.

For questions about the program or application process, applicants may contact Emily Reckard Mota by email at emily.reckardmota@boston.gov. This grant program reflects the City’s commitment to equity, sustainability, and innovation in urban food production, and represents an opportunity for community-based organizations to pilot new ideas or expand existing efforts.