Environmental Project Funding
Since 1989, Trees Forever has created nationally-award-winning programs that pool resources from donors and sponsors to fund and assist with needed grassroots projects. We’re also dedicated to working with diverse communities and celebrating cultures through projects that tie to the Trees Forever mission.
Our Trees Forever staff is available to help you plan and develop your planting project, submit your design and application, and even recruit volunteers and plan your planting event. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-369-1269, ext. 110
Below are the programs and application deadlines. Click each program title for more information about the program and its application process.
| Program Name | Deadline | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program | Iowa – November 15 Wisconsin – ongoing | Grants up to $5,000 (per community) for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa or Wisconsin communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. |
| Black Hills Power of Trees | Application will open fall 2023 for planting in 2024 | Grants of up to $5,000 per project for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa communities that are served by Black Hills Energy. |
| Granting a Better Tomorrow | Applications not being accepted at this time | Grants of $100 to $1500 will be made available to youth-focused or youth-led projects in both Iowa and Illinois that seek to add more green to our communities through tree plantings. |
| Grow Green for Students | November 15 | Grow Green for Students provides grants up to $5,000 per school for trees planted on school properties. |
| Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning | September 1 | Iowa Communities with populations equal to or less than 10,000 are eligible to apply to receive planning and design services that encourage visionary and yet strategic thinking about transportation improvements. Ten communities are selected for the program each year. |
| Illinois Buffer Partnership | Next application round opening soon | Planning, planting and maintenance assistance is provided to program participants to implement a water quality project or demonstration site in Illinois. A 50% cost share (up to a maximum of $2,000) is also available to participating landowners. |
| Illinois Community Forestry – Recover, Replant, Restore! | Opens August 1 | Grants of $500 to $3,000 are available to Illinois communities diversifying their community forests or recovering from natural or man-made disasters particularly emerald ash borer (EAB). The grants will also help communities prepare for these disasters by planting more diverse disease- and storm-resistant shade trees. . Projects may include planting trees along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, parks and more. |
| Planting Hope | Next application round opening soon | Funding up to $5,000 is available to communities in Iowa and Illinois that experienced derecho impacts. |
| Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond | Next application round opening soon | Planning, planting and maintenance assistance is provided to program participants to implement a water quality project or demonstration site in Iowa. A 50% cost share (up to a maximum of $2,000) is also available to participating landowners. |
Community Project Funding Guide
Looking for funding to help your community’s vision become a reality?
Check out the Community Project Funding Guide for a compiled list of available funding sources, grant opportunities, and useful resources!