Victory Garden Initiative

What Victory Garden Initiative does

Victory Garden Initiative (VGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 and headquartered in the Harambee neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. VGI builds community-run urban agriculture and food distribution programs aimed at ending food insecurity and establishing a community-led, socially just, and environmentally sustainable food system. The organization's core products include a 1.5-acre regenerative U-pick urban farm at 220 E. Concordia Avenue providing free produce to residents, the annual Great Milwaukee Garden Blitz that delivers and installs income-tiered raised garden beds ($25/$100/$250) for Milwaukee County households, the Youth Education Program (YEP!) featuring a 4-H Club, Chef-in-Training, and Summer Agricorp for youth ages 5 through high school, free Move Grass gardening classes, and a Friday Farm Stand (July–September) with a planned community-based distribution program launching in 2026.

VGI's underlying technology is grounded in regenerative urban agriculture: no-till soil management without chemical fertilizers, organic non-GMO heirloom seed cultivation, hot organic composting at 140–160°F producing 80–100 tons of compost per year, and cover crop planting for soil regeneration. The 1.5-acre farm grows 50+ varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The organization's business model is primarily philanthropic — individual and corporate donations processed via Click & Pledge are the unrestricted funding source — supplemented by a small earned-revenue stream from income-tiered garden bed sales in the Blitz program, garden bed sponsorships ($250 per sponsored bed via the Blitz Discretionary Discount Fund), and $25-per-season urban farm bed rentals. All food distribution and educational programming are provided free of charge; no one is turned away for inability to pay.

VGI serves a diversified customer base including food-insecure Harambee and greater Milwaukee residents, Milwaukee youth, Milwaukee Public Schools, schools/churches/community organizations at subsidized $100 Blitz pricing, and corporate sponsors (GE Healthcare, Bliffert Lumber, Blue Ribbon Organics) supporting the 2026 Blitz. Distribution is entirely direct-to-community via the physical urban farm, on-site Farm Stand, off-site Move Grass classes, school partnerships, and the upcoming community-based distribution program. Geographic reach is constrained to Milwaukee County for Blitz installations and greater Milwaukee for programming and food access. The organization operates with 1-10 employees under Executive Director Dr. Sandra Jones and is governed by an independent Board of Directors with no disclosed institutional or PE/VC ownership.

Name

Victory Garden Initiative

Legal name

Victory Garden Initiative

Website

https://victorygardeninitiative.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Victory Garden Initiative is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs a 1.5-acre regenerative urban farm, an annual garden bed installation Blitz, free food distribution, and youth education programs to combat food insecurity in the Harambee neighborhood.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Urban Agriculture and Food Access Services

NAICS

Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (115112), Support Activities for Crop Production (1151), Landscaping Services (561730)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700), Agricultural Production-Crops (100)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative) (BPAGALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regenerative Agriculture (Soil Carbon, Cover Crops, Reduced/No-Till) (AFAGAMAA), Raised Garden Beds & Planter Box Installation (HSAIAFAK), Vegetable & Herb Garden Installation and Maintenance (HSAIAFAM)

Keywords

• Community urban agriculture
• Food sovereignty programs
• Regenerative farming services
• Youth garden education
• Raised bed installation

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropic Revenue: Individual and corporate donations fund operations. The website promotes direct donations via Click & Pledge. Donations are the primary unrestricted funding source enabling program delivery.
2. Garden Bed Sales (Blitz Program): The annual Great Milwaukee Garden Blitz sells raised garden beds (8ft x 4ft x 10in) at income-tiered pricing: $250 for households earning $76,000+/year (businesses and nonprofits), $100 for $40,000–$75,000/year (schools, community gardens), and $25 for $40,000 or less/year (individual residents). Soil refill services are also sold. Beds are limited to Milwaukee County residents.
3. Garden Bed Rentals: 5 remaining 8x4ft garden beds available for rent at the urban farm at $25 for the entire growing season (cleared after last frost through October 31st). Available first-come, first-served.
4. Community Food Distribution (Free): Free produce distribution through U-pick farm, Friday Farm Stand (July–September, 12–3PM), and community-based distribution initiatives. Donations appreciated but never required. No revenue generated — this is a program expense funded by donations and grants.
5. Move Grass Classes (Free): Free gardening education classes (Move Grass series) taught by Farm Manager LaDonna Green. Available to anyone. No revenue — funded as part of community education programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Victory Garden Initiative runs a community-led food sovereignty ecosystem anchored by a 1.5-acre regenerative urban farm that provides free fresh produce to Milwaukee's Harambee neighborhood, an annual garden bed installation program (the Great Milwaukee Garden Blitz), youth food and gardening education (YEP!), and free adult gardening classes (Move Grass). The organization sells raised garden beds at sliding-scale income-tiered prices ($25-$250) and distributes produce at no cost through U-pick, farm stand, and community-based channels.

Product overview

Victory Garden Initiative operates as a community non-profit offering a portfolio of food security and urban agriculture programs. The core offerings include the 1.5-acre Victory Garden Urban Farm (free U-pick produce), the annual Great Milwaukee Garden Blitz (raised bed installation), Youth Education Program (YEP!) with 4-H Club and Chef-in-Training components, Food Distribution (Farm Stand and community distribution), and Move Grass Classes (gardening education). These programs are complemented by garden bed rentals and volunteer opportunities, all unified by the mission to end food insecurity through community-led, socially just, and environmentally sustainable food systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Victory Garden Urban Farm A 1.5-acre regenerative U-pick urban farm providing free, fresh produce to the Harambee neighborhood and greater Milwaukee community. Operates as a no-till, chemical-free farm producing non-GMO heirloom varieties while focusing on soil health through cover crops and hot organic composting.
• Great Milwaukee Garden Blitz Annual spring program that delivers, assembles, and installs raised garden beds (8ft x 4ft x 10in) with organic soil for Milwaukee County residents. Includes pricing based on household income ($25-$250), soil refill options, and volunteer coordination for installation events.
• Youth Education Program (YEP!) Year-round youth empowerment program featuring 4-H Club (partnered with UW-Madison Extension), Chef-in-Training after-school cooking program, and Summer Agricorp farm experience. Targets youth ages 5 through high school with focus on food independence and nutritional literacy.
• Food Distribution Multiple food access channels including the U-Pick Urban Farm, weekly Friday Farm Stand (July-September, 12-3PM), and planned community-based distribution launching in 2026. All produce offered free of charge with optional donations.
• Move Grass Classes Free gardening education series covering the full growing cycle including crop care, succession planting, harvest preservation, and fall garden preparation. Classes held at Milwaukee Public Library MLK Branch and VGI Farmhouse, 5:30-7:30PM.
• Garden Bed Rentals Five remaining 8x4ft garden beds available for rent at the Urban Farm for $25 per growing season (through October 31st). First-come, first-served availability with responsibility on renters to clear and prepare beds after last frost.
• Sponsor a Garden Bed Donation program subsidizing garden bed installation for disenfranchised communities. $250 covers full expense of wood preparation, delivery, and installation for one bed. Proceeds support the Blitz Discretionary Discount Fund.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,800+ raised garden beds built since 2009
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Sow Right SeedsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, contributing seed-related resources to the program.
• CASE (Community Actions for a Sustainable Future)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, aligned in sustainability mission.
• 4C FMCW (Fresh Mobile Children's Menu of Wisconsin)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz focused on community wellness and food access.
• Johnny's Selected SeedsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization providing seed-related educational resources and growing guides referenced on VGI's Plant & Garden Resources page. Contributes to community gardening knowledge-sharing.
• Seed Savers ExchangeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz. VGI's Plant & Garden Resources page links to Seed Savers Exchange content on companion planting and winter garden preparation.
• Blue Ribbon OrganicsmajorOthers · 1 January 2026Organic soil supplier for the Blitz program. Provides 1 cubic yard of raised bed garden mix per garden bed installation. Critical supply chain partner for the Blitz's core product delivery.
• Outpost Natural Foods Co-opminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Local food co-op that hosted a VGI information table at their location. Supports VGI's mission and provides a community platform for food education and awareness.
• Lakefront BreweryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, contributing to the local food and beverage community's engagement with the food sovereignty movement.
• UW-Madison Extension ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnership for the 4-H Club program at VGI. The UW-Madison Extension Service provides the 4-H program framework and a Program Coordinator who supports VGI's youth programming. Also provides pest management and soil health resources through the Extension network.
• African American Roundtable (AART)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Key Blitz stakeholder. AART works on economic justice and community empowerment in Milwaukee, aligning with VGI's food sovereignty mission. Represents a critical community partnership for reaching disenfranchised communities.
• Archwell HealthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder. Healthcare organization in Milwaukee contributing to the community health dimension of food access programming.
• City of Milwaukee ECO (Environmental Collaboration Office)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder and municipal partner. ECO works on environmental sustainability for the city, aligning with VGI's regenerative farming and environmental stewardship goals.
• Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder. MMSD focuses on water quality and environmental management, connecting to VGI's composting and soil health work.
• Clean WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder. Statewide environmental organization focused on clean water and conservation, aligned with VGI's environmental sustainability mission.
• Milwaukee Water CommonsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder focused on water stewardship and community engagement with waterways. Aligns with VGI's regenerative farming and environmental education goals.
• Webers GreenhouseminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder and nonprofit plant supplier. Recommended by VGI for purchasing plant starts and transplants. Associated with Teens Grow Greens youth environmental programs.
• ONE MKEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder and co-presenter of the Annual Block Party. ONE MKE is a community organization that partnered with VGI to present the 6th Annual Block Party in 2026, showcasing joint community programming.
• Michael Fields Agricultural InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder focused on agricultural education and farmer training, aligned with VGI's mission to teach communities to grow their own food.
• Kuumba Juice & CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder — a local Milwaukee business that supports community events and the local food economy.
• ECCHO WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder focused on community health and economic opportunity, aligning with VGI's food justice mission.
• Fair Future MovementminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder focused on social justice and economic equity in Milwaukee, closely aligned with VGI's anti-racism commitment.
• Saint Joseph's Tool ChestminorOthers · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder providing tool resources for community gardening and repair, supporting the Blitz installation program.
• Goodwill Workforce Connection Center - Richards StminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder connecting workforce development with community food access programming.
• MKE Fresh Air CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder focused on community wellness and environmental engagement in Milwaukee.
• Flor y RaizminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder — a local Milwaukee community organization supporting food and garden programming.
• Senses Yoga SchoolminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder supporting community wellness programming.
• We Got This (MKE)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Blitz stakeholder — a local Milwaukee community organization aligned with VGI's neighborhood empowerment mission.
• Milwaukee Urban Agriculture NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026VGI participates in seed swaps and community events organized by the Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network (MKE Urban Ag Network), connecting with like-minded organizations in the local food movement.
• NIDC (Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, focused on neighborhood development in Milwaukee.
• MWC (Milwaukee Women's Center)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, focused on women's empowerment and community wellbeing.
• CAFF (Community Alliance with Family Farmers)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, focused on supporting family farmers and local food systems.
• Community Greens Commons (CGC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Supporting organization for the 2026 Blitz, focused on community greening and urban green spaces.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Green City Growers: Somerville, MA-based urban farming company offering raised bed installation, maintenance, and education for residential, school, and corporate clients. Closely comparable to VGI's Blitz raised-bed installation service but operates as a for-profit social enterprise.
• Fleet Farming: Orlando-based urban agriculture nonprofit operating micro-farms and edible landscaping with a volunteer-driven, community-supported model. Shares the volunteer-anchored urban farming and food access approach with VGI.

Direct peers

• Keep Growing Detroit: Detroit-based urban agriculture nonprofit running the Garden Resource Program that distributes seeds, transplants, and education to thousands of urban gardeners. Comparable model combining community garden support, seed distribution, and food sovereignty advocacy in a Midwestern post-industrial city.
• Big Green: National nonprofit building learning gardens in low-income schools with a focus on youth food literacy. Comparable youth education (similar to YEP!), free garden installation (similar to Blitz), and food access mission across multiple cities.
• Urban Harvest (Houston): Houston-based nonprofit operating community gardens, edible parks, and food access programming with a similar mix of garden installation, education, and food distribution in a major U.S. city. Shares the urban-agriculture-as-food-justice framing.
• D-Town Farm (Detroit Black Community Food Security Network): Detroit nonprofit operating a 7-acre urban farm focused on food security in Black communities, with a strong food sovereignty and racial justice lens. Comparable regenerative urban agriculture mission in a similar Great Lakes food-desert context.
• Alice's Garden: Milwaukee-based nonprofit urban farm in the Harambee/Clinton Rosehill neighborhood that provides community garden space, food sovereignty programming, and culturally responsive food access. Operates a similar regenerative, anti-racism-aligned urban agriculture model serving overlapping Milwaukee communities.

Broad incumbents

• The Food Trust: Philadelphia-based nonprofit working on food access, nutrition education, and healthy food retail across multiple states. Operates at a much larger scale than VGI but addresses overlapping problems: food deserts, nutrition literacy, and community-driven food system change.
• Wholesome Wave: National nonprofit running fruit and vegetable prescription programs and food access initiatives for low-income families. Operates at a national scale in food access, similar in mission to VGI's food sovereignty and food access work.

Regional players

• Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network: Local Milwaukee coalition of urban agriculture organizations that VGI already partners with on seed swaps and community events. Represents the regional ecosystem of peer urban ag organizations serving overlapping Milwaukee neighborhoods and constituents.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VictoryGardenMKE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/victory-garden-initiative
• Instagraminstagram.com/victorygardeni
• Xx.com/victorygardeni

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Victory Garden Initiative