Community Tree Planting Grant

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is accepting applications for the Community Tree Planting Grant through its Urban and Community Forestry Program, supported by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). This grant aims to expand urban tree canopy, improve community wellbeing, and support environmental health across Tennessee. The program helps communities implement projects that deliver multiple ecological and public benefits such as stormwater mitigation, air quality improvement, and urban heat reduction. Administered by state forestry staff, the program includes technical guidance, fiscal support, and accountability through site inspections and monitoring requirements. The funding supports projects that involve tree planting on public lands, riparian buffers, and private nonprofit land with public access. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public schools at all levels. The grant reimburses eligible costs, including Tennessee-grown trees and shrubs, mulch, planting labor, shipping, irrigation tools, and signage. Notably, certain invasive or disease-prone tree species are ineligible. Shrubs and small trees under 40 feet in maturity are permitted but restricted to a limited proportion of the planting total. Funding awards range from $500 to $20,000 per project, with a standard 50/50 cash match requirement. However, reduced match ratios or waivers may be requested if financial hardship exists. Applicants must submit their proposals via Submittable by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on September 30, 2025. The application requires detailed information about project scope, community involvement, location mapping, site descriptions, and anticipated outcomes. Additional requirements include submitting a complete W-9 form and demonstrating technical consultation or support if applicable. Incomplete, unclear, or unsupported applications may score poorly during the competitive review process. Proposals are evaluated by the Division of Forestry’s Forest Health and Sustainability Unit based on completeness, merit, budget feasibility, technical design, and history of past awards. Selected applications are forwarded to the State Forester for final approval. All project sites will undergo inspection by forestry personnel before reimbursements are processed. Grantees must submit paid invoices and a final report when requesting reimbursement. Projects are monitored for three years post-implementation to ensure ongoing maintenance and effectiveness. The timeline includes several key dates: applications close September 30, 2025; applicants will be notified by October 17; contracts will be finalized by October 31 for projects beginning in December. Planting must occur from December to April. Bare root trees must be planted by March 30, 2026, and ball and burlap trees by April 15, 2026. All reimbursement invoices are due by June 15, 2026. Tree inspections occur from April through May, and all projects must adhere to state planting guidelines, including mulching, watering, and avoiding certain fertilizer and staking practices. For assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact Ashley Kite-Rowland, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator, at ashley.kite-rowland@tn.gov. More information is also available on the Division of Forestry’s official website. This grant supports communities striving to enhance ecological resilience and public health through long-term investment in sustainable urban forests.

Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from arborists, foresters, or horticulturists. Maps and technical consultation letters are recommended.