About Grants 4 Plants
Since 2018, we have been giving grants to changemakers who are bettering people, plants, and planet. This year, we have put a lot of effort into fostering stronger and more long-term partnerships with those working for the betterment of people, plants, and planet. Within that vein, we recognized that our Grants 4 Plants program could be more impactful if we narrowed the focus to local non-profits and increased the grant to $10,000. This will allow us to offer more substantial support to time-honored organizations and will also offer us the opportunity to visit and deepen our relationship with them.
Meet the 2024 Winners
Elderberry Wisdom
The Native American nonprofit, Elderberry Wisdom Farm (EWF), provides Native Americans and other people of color who are pursuing agricultural and horticultural careers with conservation workforce development training. This culturally tailored experiential service learning model integrates academic classroom training with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) principles and practices so cohorts can accomplish successful agricultural and horticultural career pathways and attain prosperity.
Initially formed in 2019, they have developed new career pathways for underrepresented low-income Native Americans and other ethnicities who participate in the TEK Workforce Development.
Since then, they developed the Native Agricultural Biodiversity Accelerator to provide technical assistance and mentoring services in social and economic development. This includes micro-enterprise development of LLC businesses EWF has recently formed: Native American Habitat Restoration LLC, Native American Plant Nursery LLC, and Blue Elderberry Farm LLC. Interns have the option to be trained to become owners and operators of their own conservation, horticultural, and agricultural businesses.
Elderberry Wisdom also participates in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) program by helping to provide mentorship, technical assistance, and support to those looking to transition to organic; or by offering aid to existing organic producers who need some support.
This year, Elderberry Wisdom developed the Native American Climate Adaptation Partnership which trains cohorts to help restore and maintain Mid-Willamette Valley ecosystems in collaborative partnerships that integrate TEK habitat restoration and climate adaptation strategies with local conservation policies and practices.
Feed'Em Freedom
Feed’em Freedom Foundation (FFF) is a Black-led small farm incubator that empowers emerging Black farmers to grow and celebrate ancestral foods and medicines. In addition to their massive food distribution, the Feed’em Freedom Mobile Herbal Apothecary is dedicated to making holistic wellness accessible, particularly within BIPOC communities. Drawing on traditional herbal knowledge, the mobile apothecary offers high-quality, culturally relevant herbal products, including tinctures, teas, salves, and essential oils.
These remedies are sourced from reputable suppliers or handcrafted using organic, locally-grown herbs. Our mission goes beyond product offerings; we empower individuals through educational workshops on herbal medicine, plant identification, and sustainable harvesting practices. By participating in community events and free food markets, we ensure that these natural remedies are available to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. FFF aspires to honor and celebrate diverse cultural traditions while fostering community engagement, health, and empowerment. Our ultimate goal is to reclaim and revitalize the health of our community through the wisdom of herbalism.
Looking for more inspirational projects?
Learn About the 2023 Winners
Meet Our Past Winners:
