The GrowBoston Design Fund is a grant program administered by GrowBoston, the City of Boston’s Office of Urban Agriculture under the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH). This program offers a total of $80,000 in funding to support the conceptual design of urban farms, community gardens, food forests, and other open spaces incorporating food production elements. GrowBoston, which evolved from the MOH’s longstanding Grassroots Program, aims to expand and enhance food-growing spaces throughout Boston, provide technical assistance, and coordinate resources for gardeners, farmers, and the broader community.

The purpose of this grant is to foster the development of new public food production spaces and to improve or expand existing spaces. Eligible projects must serve a public benefit, and grant recipients are required to submit copies of their completed designs to GrowBoston. The funding is sourced from City of Boston Operating Funds and is intended to support costs related to design, including consultant fees, budget development, zoning reviews, community engagement events, and soil testing. Up to 10% of the awarded funds may be allocated toward indirect or administrative costs, including fiscal sponsorship fees. However, certain expenses, such as rent, utilities, salaries not directly linked to the project, fundraising, and lobbying activities, are explicitly prohibited.

Eligibility for the GrowBoston Design Fund is restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community-based organizations working with a fiscal sponsor that holds 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible for funding. Organizations may apply for grants of up to $9,999, and awards will be determined based on the eligibility of proposed costs and fund availability.

The application process opens on February 19, 2025, and applications are due by March 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM. An information session and applicant Q&A will be held virtually on March 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The review period will take place from March 26 to April 4, 2025, and award notifications will be issued in early April 2025.

Grant recipients are required to submit copies of their completed designs to GrowBoston within six months of receiving funding. Additional reporting requirements may be imposed at GrowBoston’s discretion. The application process is managed through WizeHive, and applicants must log in to the platform to submit their materials. While a Supplier/Vendor ID is not required to apply, it must be obtained before grant approval and payment processing. Assistance with obtaining a Supplier/Vendor ID is available via email or phone.