Viva Florida

Landscape Demonstration Garden Grant Program

Applications for the 2024–25 Viva Florida grant program are now closed. Applications will open for 2025-26 on January 1, 2025.

Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grants bring native beauty to parks, nature centers and other public spaces. These grants provide funds with which to purchase Florida native wildflowers and plants for public projects that showcase the beauty and ecological function of Florida’s native wildflowers and plants.

The goal of the Viva Florida program is to educate the public about the role of native plants in supporting native pollinators and providing wildlife habitat. The gardens will serve as demonstrations of how native wildflowers and plants can be used in home and public landscapes.

Garden with blooming tropical sage — Viva Florida native plant garden at Cutting Horse Eco-Center, Bonita Springs

Interested in applying? Read our suggestions for applicants for tips on how to successfully plan for a native plant demonstration garden.

Want to know more about the Viva Florida grant program? Review the criteria below for answers to all of your questions.

Want to visit a Viva Florida garden? Check out our program map to find a Viva Florida-funded garden in your area.

Criteria

The purpose of this grant is to establish or enhance a native demonstration planting in a park, nature center or other public space.
Eligibility is limited to Florida-based agencies and organizations with a mission, vision and values aligned with the mission, vision and values of the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Potential applicants must complete a pre-application survey prior to applying to confirm the organization’s and project’s eligibility. The survey will be available beginning Jan 1, 2025. It must be completed by Mar 2025. If the project is determined to be eligible, an application will be sent via email to the applicant. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to plant and care for Florida native wildflowers. Click to access the pre-application survey.
Potential applicants must read our suggestions for applicants.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide educational programming relevant to the planting and its purpose.
Projects should aim to increase the awareness and knowledge of native wildflowers, grasses, and flowering shrubs and vines among visitors by demonstrating the benefits and beauty of Florida native plants in cultivated landscapes.
Projects that are currently underway or that will begin prior to the award announcement date (May 15) are NOT ELIGIBLE for funding.

Projects must be in highly visible, publicly accessible areas that experience frequent pedestrian traffic.
The planting site must be properly prepared prior to installing plants. For assistance with site preparation, please e mail Rose Kinane, program coordinator.
Plants and seeds must be native to Florida, in accordance with FWF’s definition of cultivars, appropriate for the region and site conditions of the planting, and purchased from the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative, Florida Association of Native Nurseries members and other retail outlets specializing in native plants.
The planting must remain in place and be maintained for a minimum of one year from the installation date.

Projects must have strong educational components. These may include but are not limited to:
- interpretive signage explaining the purpose/benefits of planting.
- guided walks/programs associated with the planting.
- plant identification signs or lists (required).
- informational handouts or brochures.
Educational programming should primarily target adult audiences.
Grantees must pursue at least one media outlet in which an article or video that describes the native wildflower planting will appear.

This is a matching grant program; applicants must provide evidence of in-kind or monetary contributions of 50% or more of the amount requested.
In-kind contributions may include donations of materials, services and/or volunteer time, as well as staff time related to the project.

Up to $3,000 per project may be awarded.
Funds are delivered in two payments: 50% upon receipt of the signed contract/agreement, and 50% at the end of the grant cycle upon receipt and approval of final report (based on the project timeline).
A minimum of 80% of the grant funds must be used to purchase native wildflowers, grasses and/or flowering shrubs and vines (may be live material or seeds).
Additional funding may be available for plant replacement or garden enhancement after the one-year commitment has ended.

Two progress reports will be submitted on dates to be determined by the Foundation based on the project timeline. Reporting format will be provided in advance of the due date by the Foundation’s grant manager.
Reports will include:
- a narrative describing the project and its results.
- itemized expense report, design plan, plant list, construction methods and maintenance schedule plan for the next year.
- visitation and volunteer hour numbers.
- photos of the planting site before and after installation, as well as during periods of peak bloom.
- photos of staff and/or volunteers participating in installation and site maintenance.
- photos of people visiting the planting and participating in related programming.
- information about visitor impressions and the impact of the gardens and educational programming.
Click on the projects below to view sample reports. Note: Reporting requirements and format will vary.
Orange County IFAS Extension Final Report
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Initial Report
Sopchoppy Depot Park Initial Report
VISTA Gardens Final Report