Grant Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Seed money to help our urban forest grow.

The following is a list of financial resources to help kick-start an urban forest project in your community. If you would like help applying for any of these grants, feel free to contact us.

FRIENDS OF GRAND RAPIDS PARKS MINI-GRANTS
Time: Apply any-time; applications received by Aug 16 for Fall tree plantings.
Amount: Min – 10 trees, Max – 25 trees
We currently offer grants to support neighborhood tree planting projects. Availability depends on funding.  Plantings that involve community members and provide public benefit are eligible to apply.

You can complete our mini-grant here or grab your copy here.

PLANTING FOR OUR FUTURE MINI-GRANTS
Time: Apply any-time; Fall and Spring Plantings
Amount: Up to $500 or 15 trees
Any Grand Rapids Public School Teacher or Administrator, or collaborating GRPS/parent teams are eligible for funding to host a spring or fall planting or school forestry project. Ideal projects and events will have meaningful student learning opportunities and involve parents and local residents in expanding, protecting, or enhancing our City’s Urban Forest.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Time: Available July/August
Amount: Up to $20,000
The State of Michigan offers yearly funding opportunities to governments, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups to promote urban and community forestry activities such as tree inventories, management plans, planting, and other maintenance activities.

DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants
Time: Available November/December
Amount: Up to $3,000
Because trees can significantly help reduce energy usage, the DTE Energy Foundation offers small grants to help plant trees on public land in neighborhoods serviced by DTE Energy or MichCon. Local units of government, schools, or nonprofits are welcome to apply.

Neighborwoods™
Time: Awards made in October
Amount: $500
NeighborWoods™ Month is a national celebration of urban and community forests and trees. The Alliance for Community Trees offers small grants to local organizations to help promote NeighborWoods™ events and publicize the value and importance of trees in your community.

Past Mini-grant Recipients

2012
Living Green in Creston
DA Blodgett/St.Johns – 20 trees
Site:Lab – 10 trees
2013
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association – 17 trees
2014
Butterworth / Straight – 4 trees
Thomas Street Neighborhood Garden – 7 fruit trees
Eastown Community Association/Sigsbee Park Planting – 13 trees
Grand Rapids Public Library/Seymour Branch/Yankee Clipper – 9 trees
2015
Thomas Street Neighborhood Garden – 4 fruit trees
Eastown Community Association/Sigsbee Park Planting – 13 trees
2016
Grand Rapids Public Library: Seymour Branch & Yankee Clipper – 9 trees
West Side Corridor Improvement District – 24 street trees
St. Andres Community Orchard – 15 fruit trees and 8 street trees