Public Green Space Grant

The Public Green Space Grants program, administered by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), is a 2026 initiative launched under IID’s Tree for All program. The program’s primary aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urban heat while enhancing neighborhood environments through tree planting. By supporting community organizations and local governments, the program seeks to increase urban greenery in IID’s service areas—particularly the Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. This initiative forms part of IID’s broader environmental efforts to promote sustainable and energy-efficient urban development. The grant provides financial support to projects that contribute to significant shade-tree planting and urban forest enhancement. Projects must be publicly accessible, directly contribute to measurable greenhouse gas reduction, and be completed by November 30, 2026. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, special districts, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and unincorporated groups that work with a fiscal sponsor. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and provide access to planting sites for at least three years post-completion for maintenance purposes. The funding can be used for various project-related expenses such as personnel costs, consultants, tree planting supplies, irrigation systems, maintenance, administrative costs, and necessary tools or equipment. Each grant award can be up to $35,000, with the total available funding amounting to $576,250. Although matching funds are not required, applicants who include cost-sharing or volunteer contributions receive additional points in the scoring process. The program emphasizes projects that benefit underserved or disadvantaged communities and those that develop community partnerships or workforce development opportunities. Applications open on March 2, 2026, and close on March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Submissions must be completed using the official IID grant application form and emailed to [email protected]. The review process includes both eligibility verification and a detailed evaluation by IID’s grant review committee. Proposals are scored on a 100-point scale based on how well they meet program goals such as GHG reduction, community benefit, cost reasonableness, and long-term urban forestry development. Priority is given to proposals benefiting disadvantaged communities and utilizing interagency partnerships or public lands. Funding is disbursed in two phases—50% upon award and 50% upon verified project completion. Grant recipients are expected to fund initial expenses and submit documentation for reimbursement. Final reporting is due by November 30, 2026, including summaries, photos, and a breakdown of expenditures. Failure to meet requirements can result in the loss of funding, including retroactive penalties for not maintaining the planted trees. Applicants are expected to familiarize themselves with IID’s vegetation management and planting safety guidelines, including line clearance standards and planting best practices. A detailed list of eligible and ineligible costs, required application components, and scoring criteria is provided in the full program guidelines. For questions, applicants may email the provided contact or call IID at 1-760-482-3306.

Highlight cost-sharing contributions and service to underserved areas to improve scoring.