This winter, Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) took a hands-on, resident-centered approach to help neighborhoods tap into the City of Cincinnati’s Urban Agriculture Grant and expand local food production across the Beekman Corridor. By combining fiscal sponsorship, coaching, and strategic partnerships, WIN helped community leaders turn ideas into funded, actionable projects.
WIN sponsored the South Cumminsville Community Garden’s grant application, allowing the garden to install elevated raised beds without bearing the upfront costs typically required by reimbursement-based grants. This support removed a significany financial barrier and ensured the project could move forward smoothly.
In South Fairmount, WIN coached Heirloom Garden leader J. Kieth through the application process. Kieth shared that working together improved her access to technology, strengthened her confidence in completing the application, and will help her stay organized throughout the grant’s implementation.
WIN also supported the Garden of Bethel’s vision to transform a hillside overrun with invasive plants into a tiered “watermelon hill” for growing watermelons. After Groundwork Ohio River Valley requested a referral for a garden project within the Corridor, residents began converting the overgrown hillside into a terraced growing site. Additionally, WIN connected the Cincinnati Permaculture Institute with local food champions, expanding resources for neighbors growing food on private property.
Altogether, WIN helped direct $3,800 in Urban Agriculture Grant funding—exceeding the program’s typical $1,000 maximum per project—into Beekman Corridor food production. As warmer weather approaches, WIN will continue working with Corridor leaders on garden upgrades.