DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program

The 2025–26 DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program is a reimbursement-based funding initiative supporting tree planting efforts within the DTE Energy service area in Michigan. The grant is offered in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program, and ReLeaf Michigan. Since its inception in 1996, the grant has been part of DTE Energy's broader environmental commitments, originally aligned with voluntary greenhouse gas reduction reporting under the U.S. Department of Energy. This longstanding partnership provides critical financial assistance for community-centered projects that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental equity. The primary goals of the program are to increase tree canopy cover, improve air quality through carbon capture, and promote community engagement and environmental education. The initiative specifically aims to foster tree diversity, proper planting practices, and long-term maintenance planning to ensure healthy urban and suburban forests. It seeks to address environmental justice concerns by prioritizing equitable access to the environmental and social benefits of urban greenery. Trees planted through the program must be located in public spaces or lands open to the public, such as parks, street rights-of-way, schools, libraries, and community spaces. Eligible applicants include local units of government (cities, villages, townships, counties), tribal governments, public education institutions, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Tree planting sites must fall within the DTE Energy Electric or Gas service area. Applicants that are suspended or debarred from federal funding are ineligible, and nonprofit applicants must submit IRS determination letters and land access permissions if planting on non-owned property. Projects must involve only tree planting; tree pruning, removal, or nursery establishment are not supported under this program. The grant program offers a 1:1 cost-share reimbursement model. Up to $100,000 is available for the 2025–26 cycle, with a maximum of $4,000 awarded per project. Only tree purchases are reimbursable. Other associated costs such as delivery, planting labor, and site preparation may count toward the required match but are not reimbursed. A three-year maintenance plan must be included with each application, and projects must comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) planting stock and care standards. Trees must be sourced from certified nurseries and meet stock guidelines based on size, type, and condition. The application is submitted via the MiGrants platform, and only one application per organization is allowed. The grant application period is open from August 5, 2025, to September 15, 2025, with all applications due by 5:00 PM ET on the closing date. Awards will be announced by October 31, 2025. Approved projects must be completed by September 1, 2026, and all reimbursement documentation must be submitted by September 30, 2026. If MiGrants submission is not feasible, alternative arrangements must be requested at least one week prior to the deadline. Grant proposals will be evaluated by a review committee composed of DNR, ReLeaf Michigan, and DTE staff. Proposals are judged based on eligibility, clarity of goals, project quality, budget alignment, and past performance. Additional preference may be given to first-time applicants, communities affected by the March 2025 ice storm, projects engaging volunteers or DTE staff, and those demonstrating alignment with tree equity, sustainability plans, or offering workforce development opportunities. For technical assistance, applicants may contact Kerry Gray at grayk12@michigan.gov or 734-691-1806, or ReLeaf Michigan at info@releafmichigan.org or 800-642-7353.

Only one application per organization is allowed; technical assistance is available from ReLeaf Michigan; avoid waiting until the last week to access MiGrants; ensure 3-year maintenance plan and species diversity rules are followed.