The American Community Gardening Association is a national nonprofit membership organization of professionals, volunteers, and supporters of community gardening and greening in urban and rural communities. ACGA seeks to promote community gardening as a means of improving the quality of life in both urban and rural areas. Community gardening does this be providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulating social interaction, and encouraging self-reliance. As a result, people begin beautifying their neighborhoods, producing nutritious food, reducing family budgets, and conserving resources.
Gardening also creates opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education.
The National Gardening Association, NGA, disseminates information, implements educational programs and initiates community garden projects that help people become better gardeners. They are also leaders in providing resources and training workshops for teachers interested in using hands-on approaches to teaching science and related classes. NGA's annual Garden Grants Program provides seeds, tools and gardening supplies to worthy youth gardening groups. Contact NGA for information.