The George E. Archer Foundation is committed to fostering gardening education in diverse forms, including teaching various gardening practices ranging from classroom-based learning to community engagement at farmer’s markets. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of integrating gardening knowledge into different educational settings, such as public, private, and home schools, and encourages the development of both practical gardening skills and emotional, social, and entrepreneurial competencies in children and educators. This grant supports a broad spectrum of educational goals, from nutrition and health to vocational training, focusing on diverse aspects such as environmental awareness, social development, and the innovative use of technology in teaching gardening.

The Foundation funds educational initiatives in multiple categories. These include Curriculum Integration, Nutrition and Health, Environmental Awareness, Social Development, Emotional and Behavioral Development, Entrepreneurship, Service Learning, Vocational Training, Innovation in teaching, and Educator Training. These areas align with the Foundation's goal of promoting comprehensive educational experiences that foster leadership, teamwork, community engagement, and wellness through gardening. The Foundation does not fund staff salaries but instead supports educational projects, equipment, materials, and related efforts that enhance learning.

Grants are available under three types. Basic Grants, the most common type, are awarded on an ongoing basis with a funding range of $250 to $1,000. These grants are intended for general educational purposes in gardening. Discretionary Grants require a Letter of Inquiry before a formal application can be submitted. These grants are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a maximum award amount of $5,000. Specialized Grants, which are initiated by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, address specific Foundation objectives and are not open to public solicitation. Results of these grants will be published, though they are not available for general application.

The Foundation seeks to provide financial support for projects that align with its mission to promote educational engagement in gardening. It encourages grant seekers to apply for funding to support initiatives that contribute to growing and eating healthy food, promoting organic gardening practices, and creating leadership opportunities through gardening education. Applications for grants must align with the Foundation's goals and can cover various educational aspects of gardening, including practical, social, emotional, and technological approaches.

Applicants should be aware that grants are awarded based on the alignment of their projects with the Foundation’s categories. The Foundation aims to fund initiatives that demonstrate clear educational outcomes, community impact, and innovative approaches to gardening education. All grants require careful documentation of the project’s alignment with these objectives, and specific guidelines for each type of grant must be followed.