The Trees Forever’s Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds tree planting projects that diversify the tree canopy in eligible Illinois communities.
Donor Name: Trees Forever
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as; along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more.
Funding Information
Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 are available to qualifying Illinois communities to aid in diversifying their community forests.
Eligibility Criteria
- Trees must be planted on public property.
- Grant funding can only be used for the purchase of trees and CANNOT be used for other costs associated with the planting like stakes, tree tubes, mulch, delivery fees, etc.
- Trees planted shall be between 1” and 2.5” caliper measured at 6” above the root flare.
- Trees planted MUST be between 5-gallon and 10-gallon container sized trees (1″ to 1.5″ caliper trees). No balled and burlaped (B&B) trees are allowed
- Tree species selected must be a diverse selection appropriate to your community. A statement of diversity explaining how the selected species will improve tree diversity in your community is required as part of the tree planting plan
- Shrubs (species that do not grow beyond 10 feet in height) are not eligible for reimbursement
- Tree species to be planted should be specified in the grant application. Species selected and site conditions must be identified. Grant participants are encouraged to plant native species. The planting tree list and plan may be subject to change based on new information you receive during the grant period. However, any changes from the original proposal must be approved by Trees Forever prior to implementation
- Tree species that have invasive qualities shall not be planted under this program. Prohibited species includes the following, and any other invasive species
- Callery pear (Bradford pear) or other exotic pear species- Pyrus spp
- Tree-of-heaven – Ailanthus altissima
- Autumn olive – Elaeagnus umbellata
- Mimosa – Albizia julibrissin
- Norway maple – Acer platanoides
- The Applicant must attest to properly caring for trees purchased through this program by including a maintenance plan. The plan must identify who will water and frequency for watering and mulching trees over the required three years post-planting period. If selected for funding, a copy of the proposed maintenance plan must be submitted accompany the application
- Trees must be planted according to the ANSI, ISA, and/or other nationally recognized planting specifications
- All trees purchased through this proposal are preferred to be from nurseries that are licensed by the Illinois Nursery Inspection Program. Trees must be purchased from entities which are compliant with all applicable State and Federal regulations including spongy (gypsy) moth compliance agreements, pesticide licensure, etc. meaning trees should be purchased from grower nurseries and not tree brokers
- All trees must have any packaging such as burlap, rope, and wire baskets removed (or be a low-profile basket) at time of planting and must be planted in accordance with the ANSI A300 Standard
- Immediately after planting, all trees shall receive a 2 to 3-inch layer of hardwood mulch over the root ball. Mulch shall not touch the bark of the tree
- Tree planting shall take place in the spring or fall
- Newly planted trees must be digitally inventoried, or recorded, at planting. Communities may use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, or their own inventory software of choice. Information that must be collected includes: a photo of each planted tree, GPS coordinates, tree species, tree size (DBH), and tree condition. Trees Forever may periodically conduct site visits to ensure the accuracy of this digital inventory
- Applicants will be required to submit a final report with their final reimbursement request which will include a narrative and budget form
- The Applicant is responsible for all expenses until submitting for reimbursements. The Awarded Community Is Responsible for Paying All Expenses Upfront and Submitting for Reimbursement at the Completion of the Project, Which Includes Final Reporting and Inspection.
For more information, visit Trees Forever.
