We give back to the garden community.

A portion of our revenue from garden openings and events is allocated to our annual Giving Program, to support community organisations providing garden and horticulture projects and programs. We have provided nearly $200,000 to projects across the state and to support emerging designers in the sector.

These projects have included the development or expansion of growing spaces, establishment of education programs, promotion of sustainable and water-wise practices and outreach to groups who have limited garden access. The funding has supported a seed library, pollinator program and the establishment of a woody meadow, as well as support for student and emerging designers providing them with exposure and connection to the horticulture sector at the annual Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show (MIFGS).

So if you’ve been to a garden opening or event, you’ve helped to fund these valuable initiatives.

2026 Annual Giving Program

Open Gardens Victoria will announce submission dates for grant proposals for the 2026 Annual Giving Program in due course.

Please continue to check this page for updates and further details as they become available. 

  • Not-for-profit organisations based in Victoria

    Organisations wishing to establish a new program or project that aligns with one of our grant categories – education, wellness, innovation, community and sustainability.  These may include the development or expansion of growing spaces, education programs, promotion of sustainable and water-wise practices or outreach to groups who have limited garden access.

  • Funding available for our Giving Program is determined by revenue from garden openings and events. We establish the level of funding available each year and include that information when the call for submissions opens. In recent years, funding of up to $10,000 has been provided to organisations.

    • Students currently enrolled (2024) at Victorian Horticultural or Garden Design Institutions, undertaking a course in Horticulture or Garden Design of at least 6 months duration, or

    • Emerging garden designers, with up to five years industry experience

    • Applicants must be Victorian residents.

  • A garden with two leafless trees, vegetable plants, and blooming flowers in a sunny backyard. A small red bench is in the distance, and a greenhouse is on the left side.

    2025 Giving Program recipients

    We're thrilled to announce five new Giving Program recipients for the 2024/25 year. Each will receive funding from us to use for the projects listed below. We can't wait to see the progression of these exciting innovations!

    Find out more
  • A woman standing on a wooden porch of an outdoor seating area, smiling, with a green lawn, trees, and white tents in the background. The porch has a table with a bottle of wine, a water bottle, and some food. There's a chandelier hanging overhead.

    Past MIFGS Grant recipients

    We have been providing a Student or Emerging Designer with the opportunity to build a garden at the OGV stand at MIFGS for four years. Find out more about our past recipients of this $10,000 grant.

    Read more
  • A smiling man kneeling in a garden next to a vine with large green leaves, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, a dark T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, surrounded by a wooden fence and some blooming yellow flowers.

    Past recipients

    We’ve been supporting community groups and emerging designers for many years, helping to give back to the garden and horticulture sector and facilitate the delivery of programs across the State.

    Find out more