The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) offers an ongoing orchard donation program that aligns environmental restoration with community enrichment and public health. This international nonprofit is dedicated to alleviating hunger, combating climate change, improving air and soil quality, and promoting access to healthy food. Through strategic orchard donations, FTPF supports public and nonprofit institutions throughout the United States, including schools, community gardens, low-income neighborhoods, Native American reservations, city parks, and animal sanctuaries.
The FTPF Orchard Program provides high-quality fruit trees and shrubs, planting equipment, site design services, educational materials, and post-planting support. Grantees also receive arboricultural workshops, which are offered at the time of planting, and schools benefit from additional age-appropriate environmental education curricula. Where needed, FTPF may also supply deer fencing and drip irrigation equipment. All planting events are coordinated by FTPF and include an educational, volunteer-driven planting experience.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, NGOs, public schools, and government entities that serve a charitable purpose. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate a long-term commitment to orchard maintenance, access to a horticulturally viable site with space for 15–20 fruit trees, secure land tenure, and proximity to year-round water sources. Recipients are also expected to engage the local community by coordinating volunteer support for the planting day.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no formal deadlines. Interested organizations must download and complete an application form and submit it via email. Due to the high volume of submissions, FTPF only contacts applicants when a match with an active program is found. However, all applications remain on file for future consideration, and applicants are advised not to resubmit.
The program operates at near capacity, so patience is encouraged. While not all applicants will receive a response, many eligible projects are ultimately selected once opportunities align with FTPF's programming. This in-kind donation program exemplifies how environmental restoration and social good can intersect through thoughtful partnerships and long-term stewardship.
