Project Funding

Since 1989, Trees Forever has created nationally-award-winning programs that pool resources from donors and sponsors to fund and assist with needed grassroots projects. We’re also dedicated to working with diverse communities and celebrating cultures through projects that tie to the Trees Forever mission.

Our Trees Forever staff is available to help you plan and develop your planting project, submit your design and application, and even recruit volunteers and plan your planting event. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-369-1269, ext. 110

Below are the programs and application deadlines.  Click each program title for more information about the program and its application process.

Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting Program
Applications closed for Iowa. Next due date November 1, 2024.
Wisconsin applications are open now on ongoing basis.

Grants up to $5,000 (per community) for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa or Wisconsin communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service.

Black Hills Energy Power of Trees
Applications currently closed. Next due date November 1, 2024.

Grants of up to $5,000 per project for community-based tree planting projects in Iowa communities that are served by Black Hills Energy.

Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning
Applications currently closed. Next due date September 1, 2024.

Iowa Communities with populations equal to or less than 10,000 are eligible to apply to receive planning and design services that encourage visionary and yet strategic thinking about transportation improvements.  Ten communities are selected for the program each year.

Illinois Community Forestry – Recover, Replant, Restore!
Applications currently closed. Next due date August 30, 2024.

Grants of $500 to $3,000 are available to Illinois communities diversifying their community forests or recovering from natural or man-made disasters particularly emerald ash borer (EAB). The grants will also help communities prepare for these disasters by planting more diverse disease- and storm-resistant shade trees. . Projects may include planting trees along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, parks and more.

Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Planting
Applications currently closed. Next due date December 1, 2024.

Grants of $3,000 to $15,000 are available to disadvantaged Illinois communities towards diversifying their community forests or to recover from natural or man-made disasters such as emerald ash borer (EAB). The grants will also help communities prepare for these disasters by planting more diverse disease and storm-resistant shade trees. 

Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Inventory and Management
Grant applications now open! Due date June 1, 2024.

Fund the completion of a tree inventory and management plan that will guide your town to maintain and expand its canopy and help you address issues discovered during the inventory. Completing an inventory/management plan would earn a community the opportunity for another tree planting grant. 

Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Removal
Grant application round opening soon. Next due date June 1, 2024.

Eligible communities can apply for these competitive grants to pay for tree removal of dead, dying, or damaged trees by a certified professional.  Communities can then be eligible for a tree planting grant to replace trees that are removed. 

Community Project Funding Guide

Looking for funding to help your community’s vision become a reality?

Check out the Community Project Funding Guide for a compiled list of available funding sources, grant opportunities, and useful resources!

Visit: TreesForever.org/Community-Project-Funding-Guide