DOVER, Del. (November 4, 2022) – Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is now accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits, including schools and churches. There are also grant opportunities specifically for areas within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. To find out if your property is eligible, click the “Find Your Watershed Address Tool” below. Complete guidelines on all grant programs are at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 3, 2023 and all submissions must be via online application.

“Trees have the power to transform communities. The grant program’s goal is to increase tree canopy throughout Delaware, along with the many benefits it provides. Funding for this year is very good and we hope to receive requests from interested municipalities, homeowner groups, and nonprofit organizations across the First State.” said Kesha Braunskill, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator. “Quality projects that meet program guidelines have a good chance of getting approved in this grant cycle.”

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values and civic pride, as well as reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

In 2022, the UCF program awarded $140,451 for 31 community tree projects.

Source: Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program

Urban and Community Grants

Requests must be a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in only one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management (i.e., professional tree inventory). Grants require a 50-50 match in either cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services, including volunteer or staff time, equipment rental, or supplies.

Applications are evaluated after the deadline by a committee of the Delaware Community Forestry Council. Eligible projects must be performed on public lands within the community. Priority will be given to first-time applicants, Tree City USA and Tree Friendly Communities, and projects with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Applicants are required to set up a site visit before submitting their application with the Urban and Community Forestry Program, who can review their project and answer any questions.
• Site visits must be scheduled a minimum of a week in advance.
• No site visits will be done after February 17, 2023.
• Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Final day to make an appointment will be February 10, 2023.
• Deadline to submit application online is March 3, 2023 by 4:30 p.m.

Grants at a Glance

• Matching grants range from $500 up to $5,000
• Requires a 50-50 match in cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services
• One project in one category: tree planting or tree management (inventory)
• Project must be on public land or open space
• EIN Number required – no payment to individuals
• Site visit by urban forestry staff must take place before project submission
• Site visits requested at least a week ahead by emailing the UCF Program
• Deadline to apply via the online application form is March 3, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Guidelines and Forms

• Grant Requirements (PDF)
• Grant Requirements (Word)
• 2023 Volunteer Tracker Form (Excel)
• Link to 2023 Online Application

Chesapeake Bay Tree Grants

The Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program also offers tree planting grants specifically to applicants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is the nation’s largest estuary and a priority for conservation and restoration efforts. The Chesapeake Bay Basin in Delaware includes 15 sub-watersheds located along the western part of the state. You can find out if your property is located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by using the Find Your Watershed Address tool below and entering your address in the search box to the upper right. Click in the map area outside of the box and it will list the watershed and basin in which the the property is located. The orange and peach color indicates the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Requirements for Chesapeake Tree Grants

• Must be a municipality or certified 501(c)(3) organization based in the State of Delaware. Common types include nonprofit religious, educational, charitable, scientific, or literary organizations.
• Must own land located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with a parcel registered in your organization’s name that appears on your county’s tax parcel list (must provide parcel number).
• Must provide a 50-50 cost-share match in either cash or in-kind services. Sufficient volunteer hours for planning, organizing, and carrying out the project can meet this requirement without a need for cash.
• Be sure to check if your location is in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by using the “Find Your Watershed Address” tool.

Benefits of Chesapeake Planting Grants

• Grants can be a no-cost or low-cost way to beautify and enhance your community or your organization’s campus and grounds
• Tree planting projects can bring your community or organization together to benefit the environment

Technical Assistance

Delaware Forest Service staff can offer assistance at every stage of the tree-planting project:

• Meet with applicants to discuss their project
• Identify a suitable site for the tree planting
• Select the best species for the particular location
• Help calculate volunteer hours and services for match to reduce project costs
• Schedule a planting day

How to Apply

If you think your town, church, or organization would benefit from a Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting Grant and you can meet the grant requirements for a 50-50 cost match (can be met by volunteer hours at no cost to your community or organization), then you are invited to contact the Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. You can apply by clicking on the application link below:

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