CTC Tree Grant (Community Grants)

Purpose: To initiate, improve and enhance community forestry programs throughout the state and promote community forestry.

Goals:

• Increase tree canopy and species diversity in Colorado communities
• Expand access to trees in areas with low canopy cover and in smaller municipalities with limited or no forestry professionals
• Establish a foundation for sustained community forestry efforts through embedded, consistent planning and management practices

Geographic Scope: All Colorado communities

Funding Source: Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

Match Requirement: Requires an equal cash match from recipients. Grant payment is 50% of total tree-related cash expenditures up to the approved grant amount.

Eligible Applicants:

• Local governments
• Districts
• Non-profit organizations

Project Requirements:

• Must occur on public property OR demonstrate clear and direct community benefit (e.g., trees adjacent to streets, within easements, or in other publicly accessible spaces)
• Grant funds and match must be cash expenditures on tree-related project expenses as approved by CTC
• Grant funds distributed upon completion of project and final report approval

Eligible Project Types:

• Tree Planting: Use of diverse, site-appropriate species; trees sized appropriately for community or volunteer planting; inclusion of long-term care and management plan
• Tree Maintenance: Work performed by certified arborists or structured volunteer-based maintenance efforts
• Tree Inventories: Conducted by approved contractors, agencies, or qualified individuals; use of approved inventory software
• Education & Outreach: Community-based educational programs that support long-term stewardship
• Planning & Management: Development of management plans
• Or a combination of eligible project types

Organization: Colorado Tree Coalition, 4777 National Western Dr., CSU Spur Hydro Building, #H-A416, Denver, CO 80216

Application Process

Timeline: Applications are open year-round with no specific deadlines. The Grant Committee reviews LOIs as they are received.

Step 1: Letter of Interest (LOI)
Submit a one-page letter of interest to programadmin@coloradotrees.org

Required Information in LOI:

1. Contact name
2. Address
3. Phone
4. Email
5. Federal ID Number (FEIN)
6. Description of the project
7. Overall budget
8. Amount of funding requested

Step 2: Grant Committee Review
The Grant Committee reviews LOIs as they are received. If the committee likes your project, you will be assigned a grant liaison and invited to apply for the full grant.

Step 3: Grant Liaison Support
Your assigned grant liaison will:

• Assist with the full grant application
• Present your application to the Executive Committee for approval
• Monitor your project to completion

Step 4: Project Completion
Upon project completion and final report approval, grant funds are distributed.