The Giving Grove’s mission is to provide healthy calories, strengthen community, and improve the urban environment through a nationwide network of sustainable little orchards. The program supports neighborhood volunteers in planting and caring for fruit trees, nut trees, and berry brambles that increase tree canopy, address environmental inequities, and provide a sustainable source of free, organically-grown food for neighborhoods facing high rates of food insecurity. There are more than 500 orchards in The Giving Grove network serving 14 markets across the U.S.

Club member Kevin Birzer (‘81) is a proud founder of The Giving Grove and club member Erica Kratofil (‘01) is the Co-Executive Director. Subway Alum Tom McDonnell has challenged Notre Dame alumni and friends to match his donation to support the newly established South Bend Giving Grove program. Our goal is to install 20 community orchards in South Bend over the next three years. Join us as we create more access to free, fresh food in South Bend and the rest of the nation.

Donate Online

Giving Grove orchards are on pace to provide more than 87 million servings of free, healthy food for their neighborhoods. With your help, we can reach ONE BILLION servings nationwide. Use this form to donate now.

All gifts made to this project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The McDonnell Foundation, up to $100,000.

Donate by Mail

If you prefer to send a check by mail, make the check out to “The Giving Grove” and mail to:

The Giving Grove
300 E 39th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111

Donor Advised Funds, IRA Contributions and Gifts of Stock

We welcome gifts from Donor Advised Funds, IRAs and Stocks. The Giving Grove is a registered 501(c) 3 organization, EIN 46-5000184. Additional details are available on The Giving Grove’s Guidestar profile.

Please contact Erica Kratofil for more information about contributing through these vehicles.