A Tree for Every Delawarean

The FY 2026 Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) Call for Proposals supports afforestation and reforestation tree planting efforts throughout Delaware, with planting scheduled for the spring of 2026. This grant is administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), specifically through its Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy (DCCE), in partnership with the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. TEDI plays a critical role in Delaware’s broader climate resilience strategy. By increasing the number of trees across the state, the initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through enhanced carbon sequestration, thereby contributing to Delaware’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The TEDI program offers reimbursement grants for eligible projects with funding ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. A total of $118,000 is available in this cycle, contingent upon approval in the state's FY 2026 budget. Eligible expenditures include the cost of native trees, tree planting supplies such as mulch, tree tubes, watering bags, and related personnel costs for planning and planting. Notably, at least 85% of the total proposal cost must be allocated toward tree and supply expenses, while no more than 15% may be used for personnel. A cost ceiling is imposed: the average cost per tree cannot exceed $300, calculated by dividing the requested funding by the number of trees to be planted. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as state agencies, counties, conservation districts, municipalities, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public and private K-12 schools, higher education institutions, tribal governments, and business entities responsible for corporate campuses. Ineligible applicants include individuals, contractors, consultants, residential developers, and homeowners’ associations. However, homeowners’ associations are encouraged to seek funding through Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grants instead. Only one proposal is allowed per applicant, but each may include multiple planting sites, provided all are completed by May 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Proposals should be submitted via email to Scott Blaier at scott.blaier@delaware.gov and must use the TEDI Proposal Template provided in the Call for Proposals. The proposal must address multiple criteria, including project scope, community benefits, environmental justice considerations, outreach, and feasibility. Evaluation will be based on a 100-point scoring system with weights assigned to project scope (30 points), project benefit (35 points), environmental justice (5 points), outreach (15 points), and overall feasibility (15 points). Reviewers from DNREC, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and other state agencies will participate in the selection process. The timeline for awarded projects includes notification of awards by September 1, 2025, followed by contract execution through October 2025. Tree planting and implementation must occur between March and May 2026. Final invoices and reports are due by May 15, 2026. Projects must be documented thoroughly in a final report, which includes information on tree species, quantities, site maps, and photographic evidence. Recipients are also required to enter data into the TEDI Tracker system and acknowledge DNREC funding on any publications or websites. For additional information or to ask questions, applicants may contact Scott Blaier by email at scott.blaier@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 735-3480. Environmental justice is a selection factor in this grant, and applicants are encouraged to use tools such as DNREC’s EJ Area Viewer and the American Forests Tree Equity Score to identify benefits for underserved communities.

Projects should consider environmental justice and tree equity tools. Emphasis on benefits such as shading, stormwater management, and community education is encouraged.