Gardens Coordinator Request for Proposals
Released: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Due Date for Proposals: Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59PM
Summary
The Black Church Food Security Network (BCFSN) supports churches by using an asset-based community development approach to 1) establish gardens on their land, 2) host farmers’ markets, 3) connect directly with growers in the region and the food justice/environmental landscape, and 4) buy wholesale from Black farmers.
BCFSN is seeking a contract Gardens Coordinator for the upcoming planting and harvesting season in Baltimore, MD. The seasonal contract encompasses garden planning, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and close-out. The Gardens Coordinator will work in close collaboration with BCFSN staff, church leadership, congregation members, and community volunteers to steward vibrant, productive, and welcoming garden spaces at 2-4 Baltimore-area churches (demonstration sites) from March 16, 2026 – November 30, 2026.
Overall Gardens Coordinator Key Responsibilities
- Garden Planning, Maintenance & Stewardship with BCFSN’s 2-4 Chosen Demonstration Churches
The Gardens Coordinator will oversee day-to-day garden operations across 2–4 sites, ensuring each garden is thoughtfully planned, well maintained, and productive throughout the growing season. Responsibilities include:
- Developing seasonal planting plans and maintenance schedules for each site
- Coordinating and leading regular garden workdays and volunteer activities
- Overseeing soil preparation, planting, watering, pest management, harvesting, and
general upkeep - Monitoring garden health and safety while volunteers are on-site
- Managing materials and supplies in coordination with BCFSN (tools and site budgets will
be provided)
The Coordinator will play a central role in creating consistent rhythms at each garden site and ensuring gardens remain active, cared for, and accessible.
- Nurture Relationships with Partner Churches & Volunteer Hubs
The Gardens Coordinator will serve as a visible and trusted representative of BCFSN, fostering strong relationships across church partners and volunteer groups. This includes: building and maintaining relationships with leadership, congregants, and community members. Coordinating volunteer participation. And creating a welcoming, educational, and affirming environment.
- Data Capture & Storytelling
To support evaluation, communications, and stewardship, the Gardens Coordinator will capture data and footage of participation and gardens throughout the season, in order to be able to tell the story and provide timely thank yous and updates to participating volunteers, partner churches, funders, and the larger community.
Overall Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with gardening across all stages (preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvest)
- Knowledge of urban farming practices
- Experience leading groups or managing volunteers (especially in learning or community settings)
- Ability to organize projects and manage schedules across multiple sites
- Comfort working in community-centered, faith-based environments
- Experience in community organizing or community education (preferred)
- Familiarity with the Black church, food justice, and/or food sovereignty movements (preferred)
Proposal Submission
- Submit a Proposal/Quote for Services by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59PM EST. Please submit a brief proposal or quote for services in .pdf format at this application link by the date / time indicated. Proposals should include:
- Knowledge and experience in agriculture, planting, and produce gardening.
- Ability to galvanize the volunteers to participate in hands-on activities.
- Familiarity with the Black church, food justice, and/or food sovereignty.
- Proposed structure/approach to delivery of these services + cost. (The budget for this contract is up to $18,000.)
- The names, titles, and organizations of 1-2 references, and a sentence re: what they can speak to. (We will not contact references unless respondents advance in the process.)
If you have questions, please contact info@blackchurchfsn.net
Selection
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Advancing proposals will meet with BCFSN, so it’s possible the application will close prior to 3/1/26. The start date is March 16, 2026, with the potential to start earlier.
