Funds to Increase Urban Trees

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) seeks to support organizations working to increase the number of trees in Philadelphia by at least 35,000 by 2035, with a focus on the seven priority areas identified in the city’s Philly Tree Plan. This funding opportunity, part of WPF’s Environment and Public Space program, is designed to promote equity, resilience, and long-term environmental and community health through urban forestry. Projects may span up to three years and must contribute meaningfully to the strategic goals of the Philly Tree Plan. WPF encourages diverse, community-based strategies including tree planting and care, policy advocacy, barrier reduction, community engagement, and workforce development. Competitive applications will specify targeted neighborhoods, align proposed work with at least one Philly Tree Plan goal, and project the number of trees to be added along with a clear timeline. A total of $2.5 million is available under this RFP. While there are no set minimum or maximum award amounts, funding should correspond proportionally with each project’s contribution to the overarching tree-planting goal. Grants may be used for capital improvements, staffing, technical support, and other eligible expenses. Technical assistance is available through Green Building United for grantees proposing capital projects. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities, and projects must be located within the city of Philadelphia, with measurable impact in one or more of the Philly Tree Plan’s priority areas. Organizations that progress past initial review will participate in a site visit between November 10 and December 10, 2025. Final funding decisions will be announced on February 6, 2026, with projects eligible to begin on February 9, 2026. A Learning Community will be convened among selected grantees to encourage knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and scaling of effective strategies. An informational webinar is scheduled for September 15, 2025, and all applications must be submitted through WPF’s Grants Portal by 5:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025.

Use the Philly Tree Plan map to target impact areas; align clearly with stated objectives; prepare for a site visit during November–December.