Volunteer Connection Opportunity and a Birmingham Garden Build

With a mission to support youth in housing, health, hunger, and education, RSM and KidsGardening are working together to connect local RSM office teams with youth garden programs across the country, and to host a youth garden-build event in Birmingham, Alabama, so youth can find joy and wonder in the garden.

Volunteer Connection

Does your garden need some volunteer help? Apply to host a group of RSM volunteers!

Examples of event projects include but are not limited to, weeding, planting, building garden beds, moving soil/mulch, general garden maintenance, etc.

Any tax-exempt organization, such as a school, non-profit, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Head Start, child care program, library, etc., located in the following cities is eligible to apply.

Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO/KS Rockford, IL
Boston, MA Las Vegas, NV San Antonio, TX
Calgary, Alberta Canada Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA
Charlotte, NC Madison, WI Seattle, WA
Chicago, IL Mason City, IA San Jose, CA
Davenport, IA Minneapolis, MN Sioux Falls, SD
Des Moines, IA New York, NY Stamford, CT
Duluth, MN Phoenix, AZ
Greensboro, NC Richmond, VA

One organization will be selected per city and will receive:

  • A $300 award check
  • Support from 20-30 volunteers for four hours at a one-day event (June - October)

Applications are due February 28, 2025.

Garden Build

A youth garden can transform a courtyard or open space into an outdoor classroom, giving youth and educators the opportunity to interact with nature, be curious, engage in physical activity, practice cooperation, and learn problem-solving skills.

Not only are youth gardens getting kids outdoors and active, but they're also fostering much-needed connections. Youth gardens are bringing communities together and inspiring young gardeners to take action to help one another.

Any tax-exempt organization, such as a school, non-profit, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Head Start, child care program, library, etc., located in Birmingham, Alabama is eligible.

One organization will be selected for the garden build event. The garden installation includes:

  • A site assessment and analysis of potential garden areas
  • Three garden design options to choose from
  • $10,000 worth of garden build materials, plants, and tools
  • Day-of-event garden build coordination
  • Support from 40 - 50 volunteers for four hours at the garden build event
  • A year of support, guidance, and educational resources from KidsGardening

Applications are due February 28, 2025.