LAKE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION INC. “Helping Others Grow”
2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS
🌼 2026 Impact: $10,000 Awarded in Community Grants
Explore the organizations and projects we’re proud to support in 2026.
🌿 2026 Grant impact
Growing Gardens. Growing Community.
The Lake County Master Gardeners Association is proud to support local organizations using gardening to educate, nourish, and connect our communities.
In 2026, our grants are funding projects across Lake County that expand access to fresh food, enhance public spaces, and create meaningful hands-on learning experiences for all ages.
🌼 Our Impact
This year's grants are helping to:
🌿 Expand community gardens that bring people together
🥕 Grow fresh produce for families and food programs
🌸 Beautify parks and public spaces
📚 Support education for youth, adults, and seniors
🌻 Create inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities
🌎 Preserve local heritage through culturally meaningful gardens
🌷 Featured Projects Across Lake County
This year’s grants are making an impact by:
Community & Food Access
- Gardens providing fresh produce for local families in need
- Food pantry partnerships and community harvest programs
- Community Help Network and St. Vincent de Paul initiatives
Education & Youth Programs
- Junior Master Gardener programming in Gary schools
- Student-led and vocational training gardens
- Hands-on learning spaces for all ages
Public Spaces & Beautification
- Park improvements in Cedar Lake
- Enhancements to courthouse, fairgrounds, and community gardens
- Ongoing beautification and planting projects
Inclusive & Therapeutic Gardening
- Programs supporting adults with disabilities
- Senior-focused community garden initiatives
- Wellness-focused spaces like yoga gardens
Heritage & Environmental Education
- Development of an indigenous garden celebrating Potawatomi heritage
- Educational materials and self-guided garden tours
🌿 Communities We Reached Across Lake County
Munster • Cedar Lake • Highland • Crown Point • Gary • Whiting • Merrillville • Hobart • St. John • Hammond
🌻 Rooted in Our Mission
These projects reflect our mission of Helping Others Grow—supporting education, sustainability, and community connection through gardening.
We are grateful to partner with these incredible organizations and look forward to seeing these gardens grow and thrive.
📍 LCMGA: COMMUNITY IMPACT IN ACTION
Thanks to the support of our members and the success of our fundraising efforts, the Lake County Master Gardeners Association is proud to award grants that support gardening and community programs throughout Lake County.
In 2026, our grants are already making an impact across the county—supporting community gardens, expanding access to fresh food, enhancing public spaces, and creating meaningful educational opportunities for all ages.
In June 2025, we awarded a grant to Community Help Network in Crown Point to support their Summer Food Program.
Their community garden provides fresh produce for local families, helping to reduce food insecurity and promote healthier living.
In their words:
“Your support is helping us sustain critical programs that serve food-insecure children and families in our community. Our Community Garden is planted, tilled and producing, and we can distribute some fresh produce at our Summer Food Program. Your generosity helps us meet growing needs of those we serve.”
— Bonnie J. Meyer, Executive Director
Community Help Network
In 2026, we are proud to continue supporting organizations like Community Help Network, along with many others throughout Lake County—growing food, supporting education, and strengthening our communities one garden at a time.
Each year, LCMGA awards grants to community groups
Teamwork in the Garden
Volunteers preparing raised beds at Potawatomi Park’s new community garden
Planting the First Vegetables
Early spring planting underway—supported by a grant from the Lake County Master Gardeners.
A Garden Grows in Cedar Lake
This community garden will support wellness, education, and access to fresh food.
Lake County Master Gardeners Association Inc.
2293 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307
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