Learn how Giving Grove’s community orchards grow healthier cities.

Looking to understand how The Giving Grove works, how to start an orchard, or how to become an affiliate partner? You’re in the right place.

The Giving Grove is a national nonprofit that helps communities plant and care for small, sustainable orchards filled with fruit trees, nut trees, and berry brambles. These “little orchards” improve food access, strengthen neighborhoods, and restore the urban environment.

Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our mission and impact, affiliate program, orchard care, volunteering, partnerships, and donations. Whether you’re a potential affiliate, orchard steward, corporate partner, or curious neighbor, this FAQ page explains how The Giving Grove supports communities every step of the way—from the first planting to decades of harvests.

General- Mission & Impact

What is The Giving Grove’s mission?

The Giving Grove’s mission is to provide healthy calories, strengthen community, and improve the urban environment through a nationwide network of sustainable little orchards.

What types of orchards do you plant (fruit trees, nut trees, berry brambles)?

Our orchards include fruit and nut trees and berry brambles, with varieties and quantities selected by the local community.

What size is an orchard?

A Giving Grove orchard is designed to match what a community steward can successfully care for. Some orchards are as small as a few fruit trees and berry brambles, while others grow to around 50 trees. On average, Giving Grove community orchards include about 15 fruit trees.

Why focus on little orchards in urban neighborhoods?

Giving Grove’s little orchards help communities reclaim unused land for food production and climate resilience. Each orchard increases urban tree canopy, improves soil and air quality, reduces the heat island effect, and makes fresh produce more accessible to nearby residents.

What is the annual or lifetime food-yield potential of a Giving Grove orchard?

A typical 15-tree orchard produces over 3,000 pounds of fruit each year and more than 62,000 pounds over its lifetime. However, many factors can affect production, like weather, soil conditions, pests, and diseases.

What kind of environmental benefits do your orchards offer?

Giving Grove orchards strengthen urban ecosystems by improving air quality, capturing stormwater, and storing carbon in both trees and soil. They also create habitat for pollinators and wildlife, increase biodiversity, and help cool surrounding neighborhoods through added tree canopy.

Which cities or regions does The Giving Grove currently serve?

Visit our Affiliate Network page to see all the cities currently home to Giving Grove programs.

How is The Giving Grove different from other community gardening or food-access nonprofits?

Unlike annual gardens that require replanting each season, Giving Grove orchards are perennial food sources designed to thrive for decades. Our model combines sustainable horticulture, community stewardship, and environmental restoration to create long-term solutions for food access and neighborhood resilience.

Getting Involved: Starting a Giving Grove program

Who can become a Giving Grove Affiliate (program hub)?

We partner with 501(c)(3) organizations, or those working in close collaboration with one, that are deeply rooted in their local community and are committed to becoming a long-term orchard program, helping all interested community members plan and plant orchards of their own. 

Who are good organizational affiliate partners?

Affiliates are typically food access nonprofits, community garden networks, land trusts, urban forestry organizations, or environmental groups that have the capacity to support at least 100 orchard sites over time.

What areas of the region are eligible? 

The Giving Grove works in all regions as long as there is an organizational hub to manage the program. We prioritize cities where local partners demonstrate both the need and the readiness to launch a community-driven program.

What support does The Giving Grove provide? 

The Giving Grove offers start-up and ongoing support to help affiliates grow successful community orchards. Partners receive training, orchard supplies, horticultural expertise, and fundraising guidance. Continued support includes quarterly cohort meetings, shared educational resources, access to a national network, software tools for data and research, and discounted supplies through national partners—all designed to help local leaders sustain thriving orchards for decades.

Is there a cost to becoming an affiliate? 

Yes. Becoming a Giving Grove affiliate involves matching an initial investment of up to $75,000. This contribution directly supports the launch and long-term success of your community orchard program—funding training, supplies, and resources that help integrate The Giving Grove model into your organization’s mission and operations.

How does the recruitment and onboarding process work? 

The process begins with an introductory conversation to explore your organization's goals and readiness. From there, interested partners submit an Intent to Partner Survey and participate in a follow-up call to review affiliation readiness. If selected, affiliates sign an agreement together clarifying roles, expectations, and collaborative 2-3 year goals for the orchard program. Once signed, the organization officially becomes an affiliate and gains access to internal resources, and sets up an in-person onboarding with the Giving Grove team.

What if my organization doesn’t meet all the criteria yet? 

That’s okay! We love connecting with potential partners early in their journey. We can still share resources, suggest ways to build capacity, and stay in touch as your organization grows toward readiness. 

What does “community-led and invited in” mean?

Our approach centers on relationships, not transactions. Orchards are planted with neighborhoods, not for them. Affiliates work with local leaders who invite the orchard into their space as their asset. This ensures stewardship, fruit, and all the magic of an orchard space stays in the community. 

What are affiliates expected to report on?

Each affiliate tracks and shares key data: orchard count, pounds of fruit harvested (using our estimation tools), volunteer engagement, and community impact. We use these metrics collectively to demonstrate national impact and advocate for policies that support equitable and resilient food systems. We interpret and analyse data, producing reports that each organization can utilize for their own ongoing fundraising locally. 

What kind of horticultural guidance is provided? 

The Giving Gove provides technical assistance on species selection, site design, and holistic orchard care, focusing on resilient fruit, nut, and berry varieties suited to your region. Affiliates receive access to national experts and ongoing horticulture coaching so that they can procure, manage, and plant successfully. 

Does Giving Grove provide trees? 

In our agreement, we provide funding to purchase or be reimbursed for tree purchases. Our horticulture experts help guide program managers to procure trees from local and national nurseries - ensuring a diversity of locations and building personal relationships with vendors. 

How can my organization get started? 

Complete the interest form on our Affiliate Recruitment page, or email info@givinggrove.org. We will schedule a meeting to learn more about your communities vision and how we can grow together. 

Getting Involved: Starting an orchard

What if there is no local program in my city? 

See our recruitment page to learn more about what it takes to start a program in your city, and visit our website for free resources on fruit, nut, and berry recommendations and care for your region.

How can a neighborhood, school, church, or park get involved with The Giving Grove?

Reach out to your local Giving Grove program to explore how your community can transform unused space into a thriving orchard. Our program managers help with site assessment, orchard design, planting, and training volunteer stewards for long-term success.

What are the criteria for selecting a site for a Giving Grove orchard?

Before planting, communities work with their local Giving Grove program to evaluate the site. Ideal locations have well-drained soil, good air movement, at least 6–8 hours of sunlight, and reliable access to water. A soil test is recommended to understand and improve soil health. Once the site meets these basics, your local program manager will help plan, plant, and care for your orchard with ongoing training and support.

What is the timeline from site selection to full orchard planting?

The planning process typically takes a few months, with planting completed in one season and harvests as early as the next growing season, depending on the plant.

What support does The Giving Grove provide?

While support may vary by city, every Giving Grove affiliate offers free planting assistance, steward training, and lifelong horticultural support. Trees and orchard supplies are generally available at cost or no cost, depending on the local program.

Who “owns” the orchard once it’s planted?

Each orchard belongs to the community and is managed by local stewards in partnership with the site host.

What is expected of the local “steward” or volunteer team?

Stewards serve as the caretakers of their neighborhood orchard, leading efforts to water, mulch, prune, and harvest fruit while keeping the site safe and productive. They also engage neighbors, organize volunteer days, and communicate with their local Giving Grove program for ongoing support.

Can individual volunteers get involved?

Yes! Connect with your local Giving Grove affiliate to find volunteer opportunities near you.

What if the community has limited gardening experience?

No experience is needed—our program managers provide hands-on training and ongoing support.

Are there costs for the partner site/community to start a Giving Grove orchard?

Costs vary by city, but most programs offer low-cost or grant-supported options to make orchards accessible to all communities.

Volunteering, Stewarding & Maintenance

What training or resources are provided for orchard stewards?

Stewards receive hands-on workshops, online learning materials, and year-round guidance from their local program manager. Training covers everything from planting and pruning to pest management, harvesting, and engaging the community in orchard care.

How often do maintenance or volunteer days occur?

Each orchard sets its own schedule, but monthly (or more) workdays are recommended during the growing season.

What kinds of trees and berries grow in different regions?

Tree and berry selections are region-specific, chosen for local climate, soil, and pest resistance to ensure long-term success. Check out our varieties page to learn more about our suggested plants.

What happens to the harvest—who picks it and eats it?

Most Giving Grove orchards are you-pick, meaning neighbors are welcome to pick and enjoy the fruit as it ripens. Steward teams often organize community harvest days, and any surplus produce is shared with local food pantries, shelters, or community kitchens to ensure nothing goes to waste.

How is pest management, pruning, and long-term care handled?

Each orchard is cared for using regenerative and holistic practices that promote long-term tree health and ecosystem balance. Local program managers provide seasonal training and hands-on guidance for pruning, pest management, and soil care so stewards can confidently maintain their orchard year after year.

What is the difference between organic and holistic care practices in an orchard or garden?

Organic practices focus on avoiding synthetic chemicals and using natural inputs to grow healthy trees. Holistic practices take it a step further, considering the entire orchard ecosystem, including soil health, biodiversity, and beneficial insects, to create lasting balance and resilience.

How long will a Giving Grove orchard produce fruit?

Most trees begin bearing fruit within three years and can produce for decades with proper care.  The average lifespan of a fruit tree is 25 years.

What happens if a tree dies or needs replacing?

Your local program manager can help assess the cause and support you in replanting a replacement tree.

Partnerships, Corporate & Institutional Support

How can corporations or foundations support The Giving Grove?

We love partnering with businesses and foundations that share our vision for greener, healthier communities. Reach out to Aleah, our Director of Strategic Partnerships, to explore ways your organization can help plant orchards and grow lasting impact.

What are the benefits for a business that partners with The Giving Grove?

Partnering with The Giving Grove helps businesses create measurable community and environmental impact while enhancing brand storytelling. Corporate partners receive customized impact data—like food production, community engagement, and carbon benefits—along with marketing assets such as photos, videos, and social media features to showcase their contribution to greener, healthier cities.

Are there sponsorship opportunities for specific orchards or regions?

Yes—businesses can support local orchards or affiliate programs in the cities that matter most to them. Contact Aleah, Director of Strategic Partnerships, to learn more.

How is donated money used within The Giving Grove’s programs?

Funds donated to The Giving Grove support our national network of community orchard programs and help launch new programs in cities around the U.S. Your investment provides training, technical assistance, tools, and trees to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the orchard programs and all the orchard sites they support.

Donations, Impact & Metrics

How can I donate to The Giving Grove?

Visit our donation page to learn all the different ways to donate to The Giving Grove.

How do you measure impact?

Giving Grove tracks orchard performance nationwide—monitoring expected yields, tree counts, volunteer engagement, and community reach. We combine this data with environmental metrics like carbon sequestration and stormwater management to demonstrate the long-term social and ecological impact of community orchards. We use iTree.org and TreeKeeper by Davey Tree to track data and report on impact. 

How can I learn about a specific orchard’s performance?

Contact your local program manager to get updates or visit an orchard in your community.

Are there tax benefits for donating?

Yes—The Giving Grove is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

How do you ensure the orchard model is sustainable long-term?

Every Giving Grove orchard is planted with the future in mind. We train community stewards to care for their trees using regenerative, low-input methods and provide lifetime horticultural support through local program managers. By partnering with trusted community organizations, we ensure orchards remain productive and cared for year after year.

Media, Events & Brand

How can I volunteer at upcoming events or orchard plantings?

Contact your local program manager or follow us on social media to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Can schools use a Giving Grove orchard for lessons or youth programs?

Yes—school-based Giving Grove orchards double as outdoor classrooms where students learn about ecosystems, pollinators, and food production. They’re used for science education, service learning, and youth programs that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

How can I share or amplify The Giving Grove’s story?

Follow and share our stories on social media or invite our team to speak at your event.

Can I host a tour of a Giving Grove orchard in my city?

Possibly! Contact your local program manager or orchard steward to discuss available tour opportunities.

Troubleshooting- Less Common Questions

What if there is limited water access or poor soil?

Your local program manager will help assess soil quality and water availability to determine if the site can support an orchard. While access to water is essential—especially during tree establishment—poor soil can often be improved through composting, mulching, and other regenerative practices that build long-term fertility.

What if community leadership changes over time?

We know communities evolve over time, which is why sustainability is built into our model. Program managers work closely with orchard teams to recruit and train new stewards as leadership changes, ensuring that the orchard remains a thriving, community-led space for the long term.

How do you handle liability, safety, and public access for orchards?

Liability and access policies are determined by the landowner in partnership with the orchard’s volunteer team.