2026 Horizon SHIP Childcare Summer Garden Grant Application

Thank you for your interest in the SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) Childcare Summer Garden Grant! This $400 grant is available to licensed childcare providers in Douglas County to start a vegetable or herb garden with the children in their care this summer.

Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Providers must pay for supplies upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement.
Recipients must be willing to complete a short post-survey and share a few photos of their garden/children in the garden (faces not required).
A brief shopping list must be submitted and approved before making purchases to ensure all items meet grant guidelines.
You may make purchases from multiple locations (Local Hardware Store, Local Greenhouse, Amazon, Walmart, Menards, etc.). Shopping locally is encouraged!
All receipts must be submitted at one time for reimbursement.

Deadline to Apply: June 1^st
Deadline to Submit Receipts: August 15^th
All communication about the grant will be sent via email — please keep an eye on your inbox.

For questions, contact:
Maggie Johnson – SHIP Coordinator
maggiej@horizonphmn.gov | (320) 762-3084

Sophia Grabow- SHIP Coordinator
sophiag@horizonphmn.gov | (320) 762-2973

1. Is your childcare located in Douglas County? *This question is required.

Thank you for your interest. At this time, we are only accepting applications for childcare providers located in Douglas County. Unfortunately, your location does not meet the current eligibility requirements and we are unable to move forward with your application.

2. How long have you been a licensed childcare provider? *This question is required.

3. How many children do you currently provide care for? *This question is required.

4. Have you ever gardened with your childcare program before? *This question is required.

5. Do you currently have a personal garden? *This question is required.

6. Do you purchase locally grown produce when in season to serve at your childcare? *This question is required.

Funding can be used to purchase:

✅ Vegetable Seeds and Plants
✅ Soil, Mulch, Compost
✅ Raised Garden Beds, Containers
✅ Watering Supplies
✅ Gardening Tools
✅ Child-Sized Gardening and Cooking Tools
✅ Please Note: Funding can not be used to plant a flower garden

7. What ideas do you have for your childcare garden?
(Briefly describe your childcare garden plans, including how you will start or expand your garden (e.g., in-ground or raised beds) and the items you plan to purchase. Plans do not need to be finalized.) *This question is required.

8. How do you plan to use the garden with the children in your care?
(Check all that apply.) *This question is required.

Sensory exploration
Serving produce for meals/snacks
Introduce new foods
Sending home fresh produce with families
Other: Please enter an 'other' value for this selection. * This question is required.

9. Do you agree to: *This question is required.

Submit a brief shopping list for approval before making purchases
Make purchases only after approval to ensure all items meet grant guidelines
Submit all receipts at one time for reimbursement

10. Do you agree to take a short post-survey and share a few photos of your garden/children in the garden (faces not required)? *This question is required.

11. Where should we send your reimbursement check? *This question is required.

Name:
Email Address:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip: