What is SEEDS?

The Sustainable Environment Enhancement Developments for Schools (SEEDS) program was established in 2013 as part of a continuing commitment to support and expand the number of greening projects at Los Angeles Unified School District schools. The SEEDS program provides funding to enhance and/or create outdoor healthy and sustainable learning environments that support LAUSD’s curriculum. Schools that apply to the SEEDS program are eligible to receive up to a maximum of $100,000 for design, infrastructure improvements, and installation of landscaping materials for their project. An additional $50,000 ("SEEDS+" funding) is now available to schools ranked in the top 150 on the Los Angeles Unified Greening Index of schools in need of green space. A key considerations is to distribute SEEDS projects in each Local District.

SEEDS Project Site Criteria

A proposed SEEDS project site can be an existing dirt, grass, or asphalt space. Work with your school's Complex Project Manager (CPM) to select the best area for the project. The project site must be accessible to all students with limited mobility, and all students on the campus of a colocated school. SEEDS funding cannot be used to update or support maintenance of an existing garden space.

Roles and Responsibilities

The District staff manages the SEEDS funds, infrastructure improvements, and installation of landscaping materials. The District can also provide the SEEDS garden design if the school chooses not to hire an outside landscape architect. The school and partner organization are responsible for adding any landscaping features, such as vegetables and native plants*, which may require additional funding sources or donations. ​The school is also responsible for developing the curriculum in collaboration with the partner organization and is approved by the Local District Area Superintendent (or designee).
*Selected plants are required to be on the LAUSD Approved Plant List

Working with Partner Organizations

Partner organizations play a critical role in supporting the principal, teachers, and students to help the project thrive for years to come. A partner organization can provide:
  • Assistance in developing the conceptual design of the project.
  • Assistance in selecting, or donations of, plants and landscaping materials for the site.
  • Volunteer labor for the installation of plants and other landscape features.
  • Resources for curriculum-based use of space.
  • On-going maintenance of the project site.
Visit the Greening Partners page to find a partner that might fit your school's needs.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The following schools are eligible to apply with or without the support of a partner organization:
  • LAUSD schools, K-12
  • Affiliated Charter schools located on LAUSD property
  • Schools that do not have an existing SEEDS garden. Check this list to see if your school has an existing SEEDS garden.
For a list of resources on curriculum and maintenance, check out Garden Resources. 

How to Apply

The following documents are required (if applicable) for the online application. Download the provided application documents by clicking on the blue link, fill them out, and save them to your computer to upload to the online application as directed below. If a template is not provided, then please provide your own document.
  1. Project Narrative template – Describe your project description, support of school’s curriculum, additional funding, and maintenance of your proposed project.
  2. Conceptual Design - Provide a satellite map screenshot of the school, or school map, highlighting the area where you would like the garden. You can also add a sketch that includes  the design details described in your project narrative, such as: plants, raised beds, and landscape features. If you are unsure what you want, just do your best and the Campus Ecology team will help you design your SEEDS garden after your application is accepted.
  3.  Maintenance Agreement and Plan template  – Ongoing maintenance is not provided by the District and is the responsibility of school or partner organization. The Maintenance Agreement and Plan must be signed by the school Principal, Complex Project Manager (CPM), and the Partner Organization (if applicable).
  4.  Signature of Support form  – Indicates that the Principal, Complex Project Manager (CPM), and Community of Schools Administrator has reviewed and supports this application and all required documents. Please notify the Local District Superintendent and ensure their support of the proposed project (you do not need to show proof of this for the application).
  5. Partnership Letter (if applicable) – Provide a letter from the Partner to the Principal stating their responsibilities and roles in the project, such as: providing funds, materials, plants, curriculum, ongoing maintenance, etc. Include any relevant requirements or implementation timelines related to their contribution. See our list of Partners here.
When all of the above items are complete, you are ready to start the SEEDS online application. Click the "APPLY HERE!" button below, fill out the required fields, upload all applicable documents, and press submit! If you have any questions, please contact us.

SEEDS Partners

LAUSD SEEDS Gardens

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El Dorado ES SEEDS Garden
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Glen Feliz Blvd. ES
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Carthay ES