Micro-grants, big dreams

Gardens Buffalo Niagara (GBN) created its two grant programs—the Marvin Lunenfeld Beautification Grants and Vibrant Buffalo Beautification Grants—to help grow our city’s diverse gardening projects. It doesn’t matter what size they are: modest planters tucked into corner lots, community gardens, art and garden collaborations, or block club beautification projects—they all help create green spaces, economic opportunities and neighborhood renewal. 

It’s clear that 2020’s upheaval is creating opportunities for GBN and our partners to help the Buffalo community stay connected through gardening and, in some cases, become even stronger than before COVID-19.

“We know that gardening contributes to Buffalo’s economy, that it revitalizes neighborhoods, and that it is a part of Buffalo’s renaissance. Our hope is that Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s grant programs can continue to make Buffalo more beautiful one block, one project at a time. Gardens bring neighbors and communities together, contributing to the economic fabric and the ecological health of our region. We are so proud to be part of this important work, and, with our new Vibrant Buffalo Beautification Grant, to extend this beyond the footprint of Garden Walk Buffalo.”

Laurie Ousley, GBN board member and chair of the Lunenfeld and Vibrant grant committees

The Marvin Lunenfeld Beautification Grants, GBN’s first grant program, was launched in 2004 by Garden Walk co-founder Marvin Lunenfeld (1934-2012), who set up a legacy gift to GBN to support these annual grants. To date, $100,000 has been awarded to more than 100 projects located within the Garden Walk footprint. This year, a total of $7,000 was granted to nearly a dozen awardees whose proposals showed impact, visibility and creativity, and a goal for long-term beautification. Some examples: 

  • HEAL (Helping Everyone Achieve Livelihood) New landscaping at the headquarters of HEAL’s refugee support organization

  • Improvements to People’s Park, a pocket park at Tri-Main Center on Main Street

  • The Darwin Martin House, Jun Kaneko sculpture park landscaping

  • Sunflower hellstrip gardens and planters along Highland Avenue (Middle Highland Block Club)

  • Experimental annual flower beds at the Buffalo and Erie County Military and Naval Park

Here’s Marvin’s wife, Gail McCarthy, talking to us about his namesake award program. Watch the video.

If you’d like to join our Legacy Society with a gift supporting the vital work of Gardens Buffalo Niagara, please visit this page for details or email Catherine Lincoln at ccarrlincoln@gardensbuffaloniagara.com.

Vibrant gardens, vibrant communities

This year we also launched the Vibrant Buffalo Beautification Grants to expand the impact of the Lunenfeld program beyond Garden Walk, into new neighborhoods where gardening is just as active, yet not as well-established or supported. 

Awards of up to $1,000 were given to 9 groups this year for a total of $5,000. Vibrant grants focus on public-facing, community-minded gardening projects that help lift communities by engaging neighbors, involving area businesses and improving the quality of life for local residents.

Projects are only limited by your imagination. This year’s Vibrant applications included community gardens, historic garden restoration, annuals for baskets, tree planting, street pole planters, and public rain gardens. Awardees included:

  • The Foundry

  • Mayer Avenue Community Gardens

  • Tyler Street Community Garden

  • Fillmore Forward revitalization project

  • East Lovejoy Coalition of Neighbors

  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

  • Central Terminal

  • Jefferson Avenue Block Club

  • River Festival Park on Ohio Street

Here’s Laurie with more about the Vibrant program and some of its remarkable funded projects this year! Watch the video.

How can my group apply?

Going forward, grants for both programs will be offered at the same time each year, the deadlines at the end of February. Applications will be accepted starting in January, open to block clubs, civic groups and other social organizations overseeing gardening projects throughout Buffalo.  

Learn more about our Lunenfeld and Vibrant Buffalo grants.

Help us grow!

Donations to Gardens Buffalo Niagara can be designated to support and improve these annual gardening awards. Every dollar counts toward building more beautiful, healthy and socially just neighborhoods throughout Buffalo Niagara. Thank you!

River Festival Park, Ohio Street

River Festival Park, Ohio Street

Lauren Maynard