American Horticultural Society announces 2026-2027 grant recipients
The American Horticultural Society (AHS), the national nonprofit promoting the beauty and benefits of plants, announces the recipients of its 2026-2027 grant program, supporting projects that use horticulture to improve communities through education, accessibility, and public gardens.
The Julia Rappaport Growing Gardeners Endowment funds school and community gardening projects that inspire young people through hands-on horticultural experiences. The 2026 Julia Rappaport Growing Gardeners Endowment recipient is STEAD School in Commerce City, Colorado. AHS awarded $5,000 to support high school education and career training in community food systems through science, culture, and hands-on gardening.
The Anna I Snyder Sensory Gardens Fund supports the creation and expansion of publicly accessible sensory gardens that promote inclusive design, wellness, and therapeutic experiences. The 2026 Anna I Snyder Sensory Gardens Fund recipients are:
- The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. AHS awarded $8,000 to create a therapeutic sensory garden for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
- Aspetuck Land Trust in Westport, Connecticut. AHS awarded $8,000 to create a public sensory garden in Baldwin Plaza in downtown Bridgeport.
- Camp Virgil Tate in Charleston, West Virginia. AHS awarded $8,000 to create a sensory garden supporting accessible community programs, 4-H camps, and plant identification workshops.
- Hailey’s Wish in Hampstead, Maryland. AHS awarded $8,000 to create a community sensory garden serving individuals with disabilities.
- Johnson City Public Library in Johnson City, Tennessee. AHS awarded $8,000 to create a children’s sensory garden that complements the library’s literacy and community programming.
