Trees Forever Inc
Trees Forever Inc is a public charity headquartered in Marion, Iowa, founded in 1989. It supports tree planting and care, community forestry, environmental education, and stewardship, working with communities, volunteers, landowners, and community leaders.
Trees Forever Inc at a glance
In short: Trees Forever Inc gave $159K across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $14K), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $159,187
- +146.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- +120.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $14,472
- +12.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $14,940
- Total assets
- $4,196,279
- +2.3% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Illinois (83% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Trees Forever Inc
- Review Cycle
- The Illinois Community Canopy tree-planting page lists an application deadline of September 30, 2026. The funding page also lists November 1 application deadlines for Alliant Energy’s Iowa and Wisconsin programs and Black Hills Energy’s Iowa program, without specifying a year.
- Deadline
- The Illinois Community Canopy tree-planting page lists an application deadline of September 30, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 80 W 8Th Ave, Marion, IA 52302
Phone: (319) 373-0650
Website: https://treesforever.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Trees Forever Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was City of Peoria ($25K). Together the top 10 received $144K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($15,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
40 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 40 grants of 40 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Trees Forever is based in Iowa. Its own materials describe work across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, including 2025 projects in all three states. The 2025 filing’s listed grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois (83%) and Iowa (17%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
Cities
How Trees Forever Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $19K (2019) to $159K (2025). In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $159K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Peoria Peroria, IL | — | $25,000 |
| The Village of Forest Park Forest Park, IL | — | $22,482 |
| City of Galesburg Galesburg, IL | — | $15,000 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $15,000 |
| Village of Park Forest Forest Park, IL | — | $14,999 |
| City of Collinsville Collinsville, IL | — | $14,940 |
| City of Kewanee Kewanee, IL | — | $14,921 |
| Muscatine Branching Out Davenport, IA | — | $11,050 |
| Village of Orland Park Orland Park, IL | — | $10,325 |
| Waverly Trees Forever Waverly, IA | — | $8,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2025 filing reports 11 grants; the 2024 filing reports 5, and the 2023 filing reports 4.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,196,279 | $3,658,423 | $3,906,456 | $159,187 | 11 | $29,122 |
| 2024 | $4,101,088 | $3,527,055 | $3,635,415 | $64,550 | 5 | $12,860 |
| 2023 | $4,354,961 | $3,209,088 | $3,816,427 | $42,565 | 4 | $1,957 |
| 2022 | $4,825,508 | $5,015,732 | $3,547,774 | $93,905 | 9 | $1,806 |
| 2021 | $2,919,992 | $4,619,132 | $3,244,176 | $105,393 | 11 | $874 |
| 2020 | $1,582,126 | $2,367,079 | $2,003,822 | $18,550 | 2 | $1,413 |
| 2019 | $1,029,238 | $1,834,495 | $1,803,800 | $18,550 | 2 | $821 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Trees Forever’s mission is to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship. Its work includes community forests, natural areas, water quality, roadside improvements, education and volunteer outreach, and youth employment through Growing Futures.
The organization’s community forestry programs support projects such as planting trees, maintaining community trees, preparing for or recovering from disasters, and building local capacity for long-term tree stewardship. Its website also describes grants and assistance for eligible Illinois communities undertaking planting, tree inventories, management planning, or hazardous-tree removal.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Trees Forever reported 11 grants totaling $159,187. The grants ranged from $6,970 to $25,000, with a median of $14,940. Listed recipients included municipalities and community organizations. The largest grants were $25,000 to the City of Peoria, Illinois; $22,482 to the Village of Forest Park, Illinois; and $15,000 each to the City of Galesburg and the City of Waukegan, Illinois.
Separately, Trees Forever reported awarding $555,431 in funding to 32 Illinois communities in 2025 under an Illinois Department of Natural Resources program. Its website describes several community funding opportunities, including grants for eligible Illinois communities and tree-planting grants of up to $5,000 per community through certain Iowa and Wisconsin programs. These program amounts are distinct from the 2025 grant total reported on the filing.
For Illinois Community Canopy tree-planting grants, communities must first check eligibility and gather two local nursery quotes and a budget sheet. Funding covers the trees themselves, not supplemental materials; reimbursement follows completed planting and submission of documentation. The program specifies trees in 5- to 10-gallon containers, with 1- to 1.5-inch calipers, and does not allow balled-and-burlapped trees.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Michelle Beisker as CEO, Dan Washburn as CSFO, Heather Croskrey and Tracy Feldmann as staff representatives, and Ben Curtis, Alex Gansen, and Tom Hadden as board members. It also lists Angela Funk and Nancy Lynk as board members who left in 2025, and Bill Stamats as a board member who left in June 2025.
Trees Forever Inc is led by Michelle Beisker, CEO on every filing since 2024; 4 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Michelle Beisker
CEO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$104K (2024) → $158K (2025)
Grant Thompson
Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dan Washburn
Csfo
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$5K (2024) → $133K (2025)
Heather Croskrey
Staff Representative
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$84K (2025)
Tracy Feldmann
Staff Representative
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$46K (2025)
Margo Underwood
Board Member
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Hadden
Board Member
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Manternach
Board Member
Chair → Past Chair, 2024
Past Chair → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robin Sempf
Board Member
Vice Chair & S → Chair, 2024
Chair → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Nolan
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barry Sackett
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dan Thrope
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gale Mote
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Larry James
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alex Gansen
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Angela Funk Left
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Ben Curtis
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bill Stamats Left
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Joe Razo
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Lynk Left
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Pete Hammell
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (47)
- Former: Emily Ehley (2022–2024) — Staff Representative
- Former: Jeff Jensen (2022–2024) — Staff Representative
- Former: Alex Gansen Joined (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Angela Funk Joined (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Ben Curtis Joined (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Bill Stamats (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Hensley Left May (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Chuck Spencer Left May (2024) — Former Vice
- Former: Dave Blankenship Left May (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Deb Powers Left May (2024) — Interim CEO
- Former: Doug Boe Left May (2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Joe Razo Joined (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Nancy Lynk (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Pete Hammell Joined (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Scott Packard Left May (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Teri Gibson Left May (2024) — Past Chair
- Former: Chuck Spencer (2019–2023) — Former Vice
- Former: Dave Blankenship (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Doug Boe (2019–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Tracy Peterson (2019–2023) — Former Treasurer · Filing note: Resigned 12023
- Former: Chris Hensley (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Debbie Fluegel (2020–2023) — Staff Representative · Filing note: Resigned 92023
- Former: Lisa Williams (2020–2023) — Staff Representative · Filing note: Resigned 12023
- Former: Lori Tomasek (2020–2023) — Board Member · Filing note: Resigned 122023
- Former: Shirley Welte (2020–2023) — Board Member · Filing note: Resigned 122023
- Former: Kiley Miller (2021–2023) — Former CEO · Filing note: Resigned 72023
- Former: Scott Packard (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jerry Fannon (2022–2023) — Former CFO · Filing note: Resigned 122023
- Former: Barry Sackett Joined (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Bill Stamats Joined (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Deb Powers (2023) — Interim CEO
- Former: Grant Thompson Joined (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michelle Beisker Joined (2023) — CEO
- Former: Teri Gibson (2023) — Past Chair
- Former: Abram Carls (2019–2022) — Board Member · Filing note: Resigned 122021
- Former: Mike Simonson (2019–2022) — Board Member · Filing note: Resigned 122021
- Former: Nancy Duncan (2019–2022) — Former Executive · Filing note: Resigned 122021
- Former: Shannon Ramsay (2019–2022) — Former President · Filing note: Resigned 72021
- Former: Teri Gibson Copler (2019–2022) — Chair
- Former: Deb Powers Joined (2022) — Interim CEO
- Former: Brad Morgan (2019–2020) — Board Member · Filing note: Resigned 12/2020
- Former: Jackie Wedeking (2019–2020) — Staff Representative · Filing note: Resigned 620
- Former: Leslie Berckes (2019–2020) — Staff Representative
- Former: Lu Barta Barron (2019–2020) — Development · Filing note: Resigned 620
- Former: Kevin Bennett (2020) — Staff Representative · Filing note: Resigned 920
- Former: Jim Newcomb (2019) — Outreach Cha · Filing note: Resigned 9619
- Former: Mark White (2019) — Governance C · Filing note: Term ended 123119
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $158K, to Michelle Beisker (CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Trees Forever Inc
How much does Trees Forever Inc give each year?
Trees Forever Inc gave $159K across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $65K across 5 grants.
What is Trees Forever Inc's typical grant size?
Trees Forever Inc's median grant in 2025 was $14,940, and its average grant was $14,472, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Trees Forever Inc give grants?
Trees Forever Inc gives mostly in Illinois: 83% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Iowa (17%). The most frequent recipient cities were Forest Park, IL (2 grants).
Who are Trees Forever Inc's largest grantees?
Trees Forever Inc's largest 2025 grantees include City of Peoria ($25,000), The Village of Forest Park ($22,482) and City of Galesburg ($15,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($15,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Trees Forever Inc?
Trees Forever Inc reported $4.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.7M.
What does Trees Forever Inc fund?
Trees Forever’s mission is to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Trees Forever Inc?
Trees Forever Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check treesforever.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Trees Forever Inc's EIN?
Trees Forever Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1419181. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 22, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 21, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 29, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 26, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 12, 2022)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 16, 2024)
Live grants for the work Trees Forever Inc funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Trees Forever Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Trees Forever Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?