Challenge Phases

The challenge will take place in two phases, with cash prizes awarded in each phase.

Phase 1: Accessibility Change Plan

This phase seeks submissions that describe a plan for enhancing an existing community garden project which already incorporates sustainability practices such as organic gardening, hydroponics, or aquaponics to extend outreach and increase participation of people with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults. This plan shall describe how the desired outcomes will be achieved. Winners will be notified, awarded, and be automatically eligible for Phase 2.

Phase 2: Implementation and Rooting in Community

This phase focuses on implementing the proposed changes to community garden projects, refining approaches based on feedback from participants, and collecting participation and impact data.

Teams, including members with disabilities and older adults, will complete a live, virtual tour (e.g. via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, etc.) to remotely show a panel of judges the accessible changes made to their community garden and share impact data. This live report shall exhibit a proof of concept, supported by evidence, of at least one modification to their garden to make it accessible or more accessible. This measure is intended to demonstrate good faith and a genuine commitment to carrying out the entire accessibility change plan from Phase 1. Teams must also include additional supporting information to demonstrate the impact of the changes on community participation, such as:

• Number of individuals with disabilities and older adults who participated
• Feedback from the community on how the changes have impacted them
• Survey results

Judges will evaluate submissions based on the team's success in implementing their Phase 1 accessibility change plan, the quality and effectiveness of accessibility modifications, the strength of supporting evidence (documentation, feedback, and impact data), and demonstrated improvement in accessibility features and community participation.
 

Challenge Prizes

Prizes for Phase 1

A maximum of 50 submissions that best meet the judging criteria will be awarded up to $4,000 each.

Prizes for Phase 2

A maximum of 50 prizes, each up to $8,000, will be awarded to teams that demonstrate success in implementing their plan and a commitment to increasing their accessibility features.
 

Challenge Submissions and Key Dates

Phase 1: Submission of Accessibility Change Plan

Phase 2: Demonstration of Implementation and Rooting in Community

Optional Intent to Apply

Teams are encouraged to submit their optional Intent to Apply by Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET via email to Cultivatingconnections@acl.hhs.gov. The email should state “intent to apply” in the subject line and provide only the following information.

• Full name of organization (e.g., nonprofit organization, local government, tribal nation, tribal organization, community garden coalition, etc.)
• Mailing address including city, state, and zip code
• Primary contact name
• Primary contact telephone number (including area code)
• Primary contact email address
• Alternate contact name
• Alternate contact email address
• Alternate contact telephone number (including area code)
• A brief description of the proposed solution to strengthen their sustainable community garden by partnering with individuals with I/DD, individuals living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults to make their garden more accessible and the potential impact on the community (maximum 500 words)

Applicants must designate a primary point of contact for the application. The primary point of contact for each application must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 18 or older. The primary point of contact will be responsible for all correspondence regarding this Challenge.

All information submitted as part of the Intent to Apply is considered tentative and draft. The information submitted may change before the final application.

Phase 1 Submission

Submissions are due by Wednesday, August 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The designated primary point of contact must submit by email the completed materials to Cultivatingconnections@acl.hhs.gov no later than the stated deadline. The email should state “Phase 1 Submission” in the subject line and provide the following information.

Submissions must identify a primary point of contact. The primary point of contact for each submission must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 18 or older. The primary point of contact will be responsible for all correspondence regarding this Challenge.

Submission Requirements

The submission for Phase 1 of the Challenge shall meet the following requirements. All applications must:

• Address the information described in the submission outline (below)
• Be written in English and use clear, straightforward, and concise language
• Be submitted in 508-compliant PDF or Microsoft Word format
• Not exceed 5 pages in length with single spacing, excluding appendices, which are limited to a total of 5 pages
• Use page size 8.5x11 with 1-inch margins
• Use a widely available font face (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Georgia)
• Use at least 11-point font, except for charts and tables, which must be at least 9-point font
• Not use HHS, ACL, or other government logos or official seals in their application or otherwise imply federal government endorsement

Submission Outline

Cover Page and Contact Information

 

• Full name of organization (e.g., nonprofit organization, local government, tribal nation, tribal organization, community garden coalition, etc.)
• Mailing address including city, state, and zip code
• Primary contact name
• Primary contact telephone number (including area code)
• Primary contact email address
• Alternate contact name
• Alternate contact email address
• Alternate contact telephone number (including area code)
• Project title
   

Section 1: Demonstration of Need

Describe accessibility barriers in your community garden faced by people with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults. These may be:

• Physical barriers such as uneven paths, raised bed height challenges, lack of seating, or poor lighting
• Transportation limitations that prevent consistent participation
• Limited access to adaptive gardening tools
• Social isolation and mobility constraints
• Sensory overload due to layout, noise, or crowding
• Lack of clear signage, pictorial supports, or visual instructions
• Limited structured or inclusive programming
• Insufficient disability inclusion training among staff and volunteers

Clearly explain the specific barriers present in your garden or community. Focus on real conditions, not hypothetical ones. If possible, differentiate how barriers affect individuals with disabilities versus older adults.
 

Explain the impact of these barriers. Examples may include:

• Reduced participation in community gardens
• Increased social isolation
• Limited access to affordable fresh produce
• Missed therapeutic, wellness, or skill-building opportunities

Connect each barrier to a concrete consequence. Explain how these barriers affect health, nutrition, safety, independence, and community engagement.
 

Provide evidence of the need using information such as:

• Data sources, such as local demographic trends (aging population, I/DD prevalence), food insecurity statistics, chronic disease prevalence (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), community survey data, and/or observational findings from existing programming
• Community input obtained through focus groups, caregiver interviews, participant stories, advisory meetings, listening sessions, or planning discussions with individuals with disabilities and older adults

As much as possible, include both quantitative data (statistics) and qualitative input (stories, feedback). Demonstrate that the need is documented and community-informed.
 

Section 2: Planning Efforts & Responsiveness

Describe stakeholder engagement efforts undertaken to inform planning. These may include:

• Meetings with disability advocates
• Collaboration with senior centers or aging services organizations
• Engagement of self-advocates and individuals with lived experience

Explain how stakeholders influenced decision-making. Highlight meaningful participation rather than one-time consultation.
 

Describe how accessibility was assessed. These may include:

• Walkthrough audits of the garden site
• Universal design checklist review
• Sensory accessibility assessment

Identify the tools or processes used to assess barriers and prioritize improvements.
 

Clearly connect identified barriers to proposed solutions. Examples include:

• Uneven pathways, addressed by ADA-compliant, non-slip surfaces
• Difficulty bending, addressed by adjustable-height raised beds
• Sensory confusion, addressed by color-coded signage and visual supports
• Social isolation, addressed by structured, inclusive programming

Provide clear barrier-to-solution alignment. Demonstrate that proposed changes directly respond to documented needs.
 

Section 3: Impact & Outcomes

Describe how the project will reduce social isolation and improve nutrition access. These may include:

• Group gardening sessions
• Peer mentorship models
• Produce distribution systems
• Social events tied to harvest cycles

Explain how participation leads to increased connection and improved access to healthy foods.
 

Describe the health and wellness impact. This may include:

• Nutrition education workshops
• Cooking demonstrations
• Chronic disease prevention programming
• Physical activity integrated into gardening tasks

Connect programming to prevention or management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
 

Explain how the project contributes to affordability. This may include:

• Free or subsidized garden plots
• Shared tool libraries
• Produce sharing

Demonstrate how participation reduces food costs or financial barriers.
 

Describe measurable benefits expected from the project. These may include:

• Increased participation among individuals with I/DD
• Increased participation among people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities
• Increased participation among older adults
• Pounds of produce harvested
• Reduction in reported isolation
• Increased fruit and vegetable consumption

Include clear, trackable outcomes. Whenever possible, describe how results will be measured.
 

Section 4: Accessibility, Governance, & Community Participation

Describe how universal design principles will be integrated. These may include:

• Wide, stable pathways
• Raised and adjustable garden beds
• Clear pictorial and high-contrast signage
• Multi-sensory garden elements
• Quiet zones for sensory regulation
• Accessible restrooms
• Adaptive gardening tools
• Adding ADA-accessible parking spaces

Emphasize inclusive design that benefits all participants without segregating individuals by ability.
 

Describe how individuals with disabilities and older adults will be involved in leadership, development, implementation, and refinement. Governance models may include tribal government leadership, tribal advisory bodies, or other community-led structures appropriate to the setting. Models may also include:

• Leadership positions
• Advisory group participation
• Participatory design workshops
• Ongoing feedback surveys
• Continuous refinement processes

Demonstrate authentic co-design, leadership, and shared leadership roles.
 

Section 5: Feasibility & Scalability

Provide a practical implementation plan. An example phased approach may include:

• Months 1-2: Finding and engaging disability and senior partners; planning, accessibility upgrades; staff and volunteer training
• Months 3-4: Evaluation and refinement

Present clear, realistic steps and timelines.
 

Demonstrate alignment of resources. This may include:

• Volunteer and staffing plan
• In-kind donations
• Defined partner roles
• Maintenance strategy

Show that you have the capacity and partnerships needed to implement the project.
 

Describe scalability potential. This may include:

• Use of adaptable design templates
• Development of a replication toolkit
• Leveraging community partnerships

Explain how the model could be replicated or expanded.
 

Section 6: Partnerships & Sustainability

Describe community collaboration. Potential partners may include:

• Disability advocacy organizations
• Senior centers
• Public health departments
• Cooperative extension services
• Schools and youth organizations
• Tribal Nations (federally recognized tribes), tribal organizations, intertribal consortia, and Urban Indian organizations

Clearly define partner’s role and contribution.
 

Provide a plan for long-term sustainability. These may include:

• Funding strategies beyond the challenge period
• Volunteer leadership development
• Ongoing maintenance plans
• Continued data collection and reporting
• Policy or institutional integration

Demonstrate long-term commitment and viability beyond initial funding.
 

Section 7: Environmental Stewardship

Describe climate-smart or regenerative practices. These may include:

• Composting systems
• Native and pollinator-friendly plants
• Water conservation methods
• Regenerative soil practices
• Climate-resilient crops
• Utilizing natural pest-repelling plants such as marigolds, basil, and mint

Explain how environmental sustainability strengthens long-term resilience.
 

Section 8: Intergenerational Engagement

Describe meaningful intergenerational interaction. These may include:

• Youth mentorship programs
• School partnerships
• Family garden days
• Storytelling exchanges
• Skill-sharing workshops

Demonstrate intentional opportunities for collaboration across age groups.
 

Section 9: Data & Evaluation Plan

Describe the strategy for tracking participation and impact. Strategies may include:

• Participation tracking methods, such as attendance logs or other methods to report participation
• Health and social impact metrics, such as pre/post surveys on fruit and vegetable intake, isolation or loneliness scales, or participant satisfaction surveys

Describe continuous improvement processes, which could be regular review meetings, advisory feedback sessions, or impact summary reports.

For projects involving Tribal Nations or tribal communities, applicants should describe how data will be collected and shared in a manner consistent with tribal approvals and applicable tribal data governance practices. Applicants should ensure that evaluation activities respect community-defined priorities and confidentiality expectations.
 

Phase 1: Accessibility Change Plan Judging Criteria

All submissions for Phase 1 will be evaluated by a panel of experts with competencies in community gardens, sustainable living, aging, I/DD, paralysis and other physical disabilities, and universal design. The evaluation team will include both governmental and non-governmental representatives.

Judges will evaluate the extent to which applicants meet the following requirements.
 

Criteria Details

The judging criteria provided for each phase will serve as the review guide for all evaluators.

Section 1: Demonstration of Need & Responsiveness

 

• Problem Awareness: Clearly identifies barriers faced by individuals with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults, and explains their impact on accessing community gardens. (0–5 points)
• Evidence-Based: Uses data, community input, or lived experience to describe the need and justify why changes are necessary. (0–5 points)
• Planning Efforts: Demonstrates thoughtful planning through partnerships with individuals with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults to identify accessibility and inclusion changes. (0–5 points)
• Responsiveness to Need: Proposes changes that directly address at least one identified accessibility challenge. (0–5 points)
   

Section 2: Impact & Outcomes

 

• Potential: Shows clear potential to reduce social isolation and improve nutrition access. (0–10 points)
• Health & Wellness Impact: Includes education and activities that address chronic disease prevention through healthy eating. (0–5 points)
• Affordability Contribution: Explains how the project helps participants with limited budgets access fresh foods. (0–5 points)
   

Section 3: Accessibility, Governance, & Community Participation

 

• Universal Design Integration: Uses universal design principles to identify and implement accessibility features in the garden. (0–10 points)
• Co-Design Approach: Describes how individuals with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults will be actively involved in leading, developing, implementing, and refining the plan. (0–10 points)
   

Section 4: Feasibility & Scalability

 

• Practical Implementation: Provides clear, actionable steps for Phase 2 implementation. (0–5 points)
• Resource Alignment: Demonstrates realistic use of resources and partnerships to support implementation. (0–5 points)
• Scalability: Shows potential for replication in other communities or settings (urban, rural, suburban). (0–5 points)
   

Section 5: Partnerships & Sustainability

 

• Community Collaboration: Includes strong partnerships with local organizations and agencies. (0–5 points)
• Long-Term Commitment: Provides a plan for sustaining improvements beyond the challenge period. (0–5 points)
   

Section 6: Environmental Stewardship

Climate-Smart or Regenerative Practices: Incorporates eco-friendly methods that support long-term resilience. (0–5 points)
 

Section 7: Cross-Ability and Intergenerational Engagement

Meaningful Interaction: Creates opportunities for both people with disabilities and older adults to collaborate and learn together. (0–5 points)
 

Section 8: Data & Evaluation Plan

Measurement Strategy: Includes a clear plan for tracking participation and impact on individuals with I/DD, people living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and older adults (e.g., increase in participation, survey, etc.). (0–5 points)
 

Bonus Points

 

• Innovation & Creativity: Introduces novel approaches for outreach, engagement, or accessibility beyond standard practices. (0–4 points)
• Technology or Design Enhancements: Uses innovative tools or methods to improve participation. (0–3 points)
• Creative Outreach: Demonstrates unique strategies for engaging hard-to-reach populations. (0–3 points)
   

Awarding the Prize

Prizes awarded under this Challenge will be paid via electronic funds transfer. HHS and ACL will comply with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) withholding and reporting requirements where applicable.

Entities participating in this Challenge are encouraged, but not required, to request and obtain a free Unique Entity ID (UEI), if they have not already done so, via SAM.gov, as this will expedite prize payment.

For team submissions, if a cash prize is awarded, the prize will be paid in full to the designated team leader who is solely responsible for distributing the prize funds among team members.

For entity submissions, if a cash prize is awarded, the prize will be paid directly to the entity and not the entity point of contact. HHS and ACL will not arbitrate, intervene, advise on, or resolve any disputes or arrangements among team members.
 

Statutory Authority to Conduct the Challenge

ACL is conducting this Challenge under the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended [15 U.S.C. § 3719].

Eligibility Rules

To be eligible to win a prize under this challenge, an individual, entity, or team:

• Shall have complied with all the requirements under this section
• In the case of a private entity, shall be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the U.S.
• In the case of a team, the team leader shall be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. In the case of an individual, whether participating singly or in a group, shall be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Shall not be a federal entity or federal employee acting within the scope of their employment (all non-HHS federal employees must consult with their agency ethics official to determine whether the federal ethics rules will limit or prohibit the acceptance of a COMPETES Act prize)
• Shall not be an employee of HHS, or any component of HHS, acting in their personal capacity
• Shall not be a judge of the Challenge, or any other party involved with the design, production, execution, or distribution of the Challenge or the immediate family of such a party (i.e., spouse, parent, stepparent, child, or stepchild)
• May, in the case of federal grantees, not use federal funds to develop submissions unless consistent with the purpose of their grant award
• May, in the case of federal contractors, not use federal funds from a contract to develop COMPETES Act challenge applications or fund efforts in support of a COMPETES Act challenge submission
• Shall be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission

Participation Requirements

• An individual, entity, or team shall not be deemed ineligible because the individual or entity used federal facilities or consulted with federal employees during a competition if the facilities and employees are made available to all individuals and entities participating in the competition on an equitable basis.
• Federal grantees and recipients of cooperative agreements may not use federal funds to develop their Challenge submissions unless use of such funds is consistent with the purpose of their grant award and specifically requested to do so due to the Challenge design. If a Participant uses federal grant or cooperative agreement funds to win the Challenge, the prize must be treated as program income for purposes of the original grant or cooperative agreement in accordance with applicable Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards [2 CFR § 200].
• Federal contractors may not use federal funds from a contract to develop their submissions or to fund efforts in support of their submission.
• By participating in this Challenge, each participant (whether a team or entity) agrees to assume any and all risks and waive claims against the federal government and its related entities, except in the case of willful misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, arising from participation in this prize contest, whether the injury, death, damage, or loss arises through negligence or otherwise.
• Participants are required to obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility in the amount of $0 for claims by a third party for death, bodily injury, or property damage, or loss resulting from an activity carried out in connection with participation in this Challenge.
• Participants must also agree to indemnify the federal government against third-party claims for damages arising from or related to Challenge activities.
• By participating in this Challenge, each participant (whether a team or entity) warrants that they are sole author or owner of, or has the right to use, any copyrightable works that the submission comprises, that the works are wholly original with the participant (or is an improved version of an existing work that the participant has sufficient rights to use and improve), and that the submission does not infringe any copyright or any other rights of any third party of which the participant is aware.
• As a condition for winning a cash prize in this Challenge, each participant (whether participating as a team or entity) grants to ACL an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free nonexclusive worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and display publicly the team/entity name, title, executive summary, and plain language summary components of the submission on the web or elsewhere. Each participant will retain all other intellectual property rights in their submissions, as applicable. To participate in the Challenge, each participant must warrant that there are no legal obstacles to providing the above-referenced nonexclusive licenses of the participant’s rights to the federal government.
• Each participant (whether a team or entity) agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
• Contestants to this Challenge must agree to be bound by the rules of the Challenge, agree that the decision of the judges for this Challenge are final and binding, and acknowledge that their submission may be the subject of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and that they are responsible for identifying and marking all business confidential and proprietary information in their submission.
• As a condition for winning a cash prize in this Challenge, each participant (whether participating as a team or an entity) irrevocably grants to ACL the right to the use of their name, affiliation, city and state, and likeness or image for the purposes of publicity releases and any other promotion of this Challenge.
• Only Phase 1 winners are eligible for Phase 2.

ACL reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Challenge, or any part of it, for any reason, at ACL’s sole discretion.