Trees Forever is focusing on improving forests in disadvantaged communities! We help disadvantaged communities replant and also fortify their established community forest. Thanks to a partnership between Trees Forever, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, these services and helpful resources are available to Illinois communities.
Trees Forever’s Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds tree-planting projects that diversify the tree canopy in disadvantaged Illinois communities. Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as; along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more.
Funding to Replant Your Community Forest
Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 are available to disadvantaged Illinois communities towards diversifying their community forests or to recover from natural or man-made disasters such as emerald ash borer (EAB). The grants will also help communities prepare for these disasters by planting more diverse disease and storm-resistant shade trees.
Our staff will help community leaders and volunteers plan and complete successful planting projects and develop or update tree ordinances, tree boards and management plans.
Applications are now closed.
To be notified by email when applications open again, fill out the form below.
In the meantime, get ready to apply with these easy steps!
Step 1: Check Eligibility
See if your community qualifies for this historic grant at the Illinois IRA Screening Tool map. For guidance on using the eligibility map please watch this short video.
Step 2: Gather Materials
If your community qualifies, review the application process and gather the items A, B, and C listed below. Remember, this grant can ONLY be used to cover the cost of the trees themselves, not supplemental materials. Reimbursement will occur once planting is completed and documentation is submitted.
A. Review the Species Selection folder on our resource page. Here you’ll find suggested species for pollinators, windbreaks, dense Shade, moderate to light shade and powerline areas. These are go-to varieties that grow well in our area and support biodiversity. If you need help, reach out to the Trees Forever Field Coordinator in your area. Not sure who that is? Give us a call at 319-373-0650 x 110.
B. Get quotes from local nurseries and put together a budget sheet using the form below. Trees MUST be between 1″ and 2″ caliper measured at 6″ above the root flare.
C. Gather other relevant information. You’ll need an aerial site map (Google maps is fine), a site sketch, details about your proposed project including a description, maintenance plan, and information about your community.
Step 3: Apply during the next round. The application will appear below if a grant round is open.
Helpful Links:
Program Partners:
Grant funding is provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Forest Service, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
These grant funds are from the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act and are to be made available through competitive sub-awards to nature-deprived populations and disadvantaged communities for a variety of urban and community forestry based activities including, tree inventories, urban forest management plans, tree planting, urban wood utilization, urban food forests, and workforce development.