2025 Trees for Communities Grant Program

The Trees for Communities Grant Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which is committed to conserving and protecting the environment, natural resources, and promoting clean, reliable energy solutions. The Urban and Community Forestry Program within DEEP advances these objectives by supporting the development of healthy urban forests that contribute to environmental sustainability, public health, and economic development across Connecticut. Funding for this grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. The primary goal of the program is to address the inequitable distribution of tree canopy in Connecticut, particularly in underserved communities. The grant seeks to support projects that expand urban tree cover or meet other community forestry goals such as improving forest health, utilizing urban wood, or enhancing stormwater management. Projects must demonstrate meaningful community involvement and support, and be aligned with community needs. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to, tree planting, urban forest planning, workforce development, invasive species management, urban wood utilization, and impervious surface removal to create planting spaces. This grant offers up to $200,000 in funding per project with no matching requirement. Projects must take place in Connecticut and benefit communities identified using DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Screening Tool. Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofits registered in Connecticut, and community groups supported by a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. A Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov is required to apply. Ineligible activities include pure research, non-tree planting construction, land acquisition, payments to private landowners, and purchasing equipment over $5,000. Applications must be submitted online by August 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Questions will be accepted through July 17, 2025, and an FAQ will be posted by July 24, 2025. Awards will be announced by October 31, 2025. Funded projects must be completed by December 1, 2027. DEEP offers office hours and technical assistance sessions for applicants, particularly those new to the program, to improve application quality. These sessions are facilitated by technical advisors unaffiliated with the review process. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of 5-8 experts from fields such as forestry, municipal management, community leadership, and nonprofit organizations. Evaluation criteria include the scope of work, approach, outcomes, professional support, budget, community involvement, long-term sustainability, and use of data in planning. Applicants are encouraged to include letters of support and demonstrate collaboration with community partners. All funded projects require periodic and final reporting that details project impact, including data on tree species and locations, and the number of people engaged.