From Vacant Lots to Gardens for Community Growth
Meet Lots of Compassion; our national initiative to celebrate and empower those using the goodness of the garden to grow compassion in their own backyard. By offering financial support and educational resources, we’re helping people across the country turn vacant lots into gardens for community growth. Why is this so important? Well, about 15% of land in U.S. cities is vacant or abandoned. This vacant space can lead to negative outcomes for communities, including decreased mental and physical health, feelings of lacking community trust, and more.*
*AO Bowman, MA Pagano Terra Incognita: Vacant Land and Urban Strategies, Georgetown Univ Press, Washington, DC, 2010.
Growing a More Compassionate World
We transformed our first lot in Chicago, where we partnered with Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative — an organization dedicated to building community wealth on Chicago's south side. In 2023 and 2024, we have given out 20 grants to communities across the country. In 2025, we expect to connect more than 40,000 people to engaging garden-based learning opportunities and create 70,000 square feet of gardening space.
Thanks to Our Project Partners
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