Since its inception, Delaware’s urban and community forestry grant program has awarded 568 grants for more than $1.75 million and planted more than 13,000 trees.

DOVER, Del. — Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is once again offering up to $5,000 in matching funds for tree planting or tree management projects on public land or community open space. The competitive grants – open to all municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified 501(c)(3) non-profits in the State of Delaware (including churches and schools) – require a 50-50 match in either cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services, which includes volunteer or staff time, equipment rental, or supplies. Requests can range from 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, hazardous tree removal, or pruning). 

Application deadline is March 6, 2020.

Applicants are required to schedule a site visit to review their project, according to the following guidelines:

1. Site visit MUST be scheduled a minimum of a week in advance
2. No site visits will be done after February 22, 2020
3. Appointments will be made on a first come first serve basis
4. Final day to make an appointment will be February 15, 2020

This year, applicants must complete their submission in one sitting at the online application link. Grant applicants are encouraged to gather required forms and documents for attachment to the application as the form cannot be saved and completed later. 

2020 Guidelines and Forms

• 2020 Grant Requirements and Application (PDF) (Word)
• 2020 Volunteer Tracker Form (Excel)
• Link to 2020 Urban Grant Online Application

Resource Links

• Recommended Trees web page
• Recommended Trees for Delaware (PDF)

Core Requirements

• Grant requests from a minimum of $500 to maximum of $5,000
• Grants must be matched with cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services such as volunteer hours
• One project in one category: planting or management (professional inventory, pruning, or removal)
• Project must take place on public land or community open space
• Applicants must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) – no payment made to individuals.
• All applicants must schedule a site visit before submitting project (contact email below)

In 2019, the Delaware Forest Service provided more than $110,000 for 29 tree projects in the First State.

Applications are judged on a competitive basis by a grant 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 Friendly Communities, and applicants that have passed an Urban Tree Canopy Goal Resolution (only applies to Municipalities). Complete details at delawaretrees.com.

“Community trees play a critical role in our daily lives. Trees provide cleaner air and water, wildlife habitat, lower energy costs, natural beauty, and improved property values. The Delaware Forest Service’s urban grant program can help community groups to capture these many benefits for many years to come. Tree projects not only generate positive and lasting changes but also bring residents and volunteers together to make their communities more livable and enjoyable,” said Kesha Braunskill, the Delaware Forest Service urban and community forestry program director.

Urban Forestry Program Contacts

• Urban and Community Program Director Kesha Braunskill at kesha.braunskill@delaware.gov

Tree Grant Dashboard

NEW: The Urban and Community Forestry Tree Grant Dashboard page provides a visual overview of the history of Delaware’s tree grants. Since its inception, the grant program has awarded 568 grants totaling more than $1.75 million—resulting in the planting of more than 13,000 trees. Details includes the locations and dates of specific grant projects by county, legislative map, or school district.  http://de.gov/treegrantdashboard.

The comprehensive database can list charts of the grants by year, county, and legislative district. The map to the right of the dashboard also allows viewers to zoom in to various parts of the state and then view specific projects by clicking on the blue dot.

As part of its mission, several informative publications, resources, and links are available to help with proper planning and developing effective strategies for tree planting, care, and management.

• Delaware Municipal Tree Canopy Maps
• Online GIS Tree Canopy Tool 
• Tree Owners’ Manual
• Trees and Ice Storms

Email:
Kesha Braunskill

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