The Sisters of St. Joseph believe that all of creation lives, moves, and has its being in God. Through our ministries of Ecology, Spirituality, and Justice and Peace, we work to care for Earth and the common good of every ‘dear neighbor’ without distinction. The Sister St. Mark Garden Fund is one way that we support the efforts of fruitful gardens that are changing lives and unifying neighborhoods.
The Sister St. Mark Garden Fund partners with local gardens, organizations, schools, and churches to:
- Reduce food insecurity and provide healthy food choices for families and youth
- Sustain community gardens in local neighborhoods
- Build community by nourishing grass-roots relationships among like-minded partners
Grant Uses
Applications are due by February 15, 2026. Most grants are between $500 and $1,000, although consideration may be given to other requested amounts. The total number of grants and amount per grant is based on the amount of funding that the Sisters of St. Joseph allocate to the Sister St. Mark Garden Fund each year. The grants are funded from a portion of the proceeds of Faith. Field. Feast., the Sisters’ annual farm-to-table dinner held each fall.
Grants can fund items, tools, or materials that are essential for garden operation or maintenance. Funding is also provided for projects to make efficient use of water or compostable materials and for garden-focused educational programming. Examples of allowable expenses include seeds/transplants, garden tools, wheelbarrows, row covers, soaker hoses, fencing, live traps, power tools, lumber, storage sheds, irrigation systems, fencing, small hoop houses, and programmatic expenses.
Grant Eligibility
- Food-focused garden groups based in the United States may apply, with priority given to projects in the Pittsburgh tri-state area (PA, OH, WV) and projects affiliated with CSSJ partners.
- Private, personal gardens and for-profit businesses are not eligible.
- Applicants may only apply for one grant per year.
- Prior grantees must have submitted the previous year’s grant report.
- The grant application must be completed in full and submitted on or before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Reporting Requirement
Awardees agree to submit a written or digital report to the Sisters of St. Joseph no later than October 4, 2026, that describes the use of grant funds, reports outcomes or challenges, and shares an impactful testimonial. Failure to submit the required report will affect an awardee’s eligibility for future grants. View reporting form.
If you have any questions please contact Alison Lucci, Director of Mission Advancement, at 724-869-6570 or alucci@stjoseph-baden.org.
2026 Application
Applications will be accepted between January 11, 2026, and February 15, 2026.