(Atlantic, IA) – Spring is in the air, and plans are underway for gardening projects in Cass County. Local groups planning community gardening, beautification or education programs will again be eligible for assistance from the Cass County Master Gardeners. The group is offering grant money to be used in the 2026 growing season, to encourage gardening to grow food for donation, for gardening education, and/or for gardening projects to improve local communities. The Cass County Master Gardener Memorial Grants are offered in remembrance of Master Gardener volunteers who have passed to honor their many years of service to the community. Funds are raised by Master Gardeners at events like their spring plant sale, set for Saturday May 9, and summer events such as the spring bus trip in late May and garden walk in June.
Any Cass County not-for-profit group may apply. Schools, libraries, 4-H clubs, Scouts, churches, or other organizations/individuals working to improving their communities can apply for money to begin or improve gardens or landscaping for community benefit, or to provide education for their members or the public. To ensure the money is helping a wide variety of community organizations, those who were funded by 2025 grants will not be eligible to apply in 2026. Each grant has a maximum value of $300. Applications must include plans for teamwork and sustainability. All grant recipients will be expected to submit a report at the end of the growing season, detailing how the money was spent. Recipients will also be given a sign to place in their garden area for the 2026 growing season.
Applications must be received by 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 15 for guaranteed consideration. They may be submitted by mail or email. Grant recipients will be informed of their application status no later than May 1 so they can make plans for the growing season. For more information, or with questions, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132 or email keolson@iastate.edu. Application forms can be printed from the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. You can also call or email the office to request a form be mailed or emailed to you or stop by 805 West 10th Street in Atlantic to pick one up.
The Master Gardener program trains volunteers to develop their knowledge and skills in horticulture. These volunteers then give back to their communities through gardening service and education. The program is available in all 50 states and Canada through land grant university Extension programs such as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Information on upcoming opportunities such as plant sales, bus tour and garden walk can be found on the Cass County Extension Website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/master-gardener-program. For more information on the program and becoming a Master Gardener, contact Cass County Extension Director Kate Olson, at 712-243-1132 or keolson@iastate.edu. You can also follow the Cass County Master Gardeners on Facebook (@CassCoMG) for gardening tips and information on upcoming events!
