Healthy Tree Canopy Grants For Cities- Step 1

The Healthy Tree Canopy Grants for Cities aim to enhance the tree canopy in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Designed for city governments, these grants support projects that complete tree inventories and strengthen urban forestry efforts. Applicants can receive funding between $1,000 and $5,000, with a required match of 25% of project costs. The program seeks to engage communities in tree protection and management, addressing environmental challenges while improving public health and equity.

Note: Applicants are invited to contact the county for feedback on project ideas before applying. This is represented with Letter of Inquiry above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make their submissions well in advance of the application due date as the process may take some time to complete.
About Healthy Tree Canopy Grants For Cities
The County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota (“County”) is soliciting applications for the Healthy Tree Canopy Grant (the “Grant”). As used herein, the entity/individual submitting a response to this solicitation may be referred to as the “Applicant” and the Applicant’s response to this solicitation (the “Solicitation”) may be referred to as the “Application”.
Healthy Tree Canopy Grants were established to help communities make positive changes in the tree canopy and engage residents in taking action to protect trees.
The grant is separated into two levels.
Step 1 is for cities that do not have a tree inventory of public trees, and Step 2 is for cities who have completed a tree inventory of public trees.
Goals
Increase capacity of current city forestry efforts and programs related to trees. This includes helping communities plan, prepare for, and manage destructive invasive insects and diseases such as emerald ash borer or Asian long-horned beetle. This also includes establishing new forestry programs, establishing annual forestry activities such as planting and pruning events, and strengthening current forestry programs.Educate the public about the importance of trees and engage them in taking actions to protect trees. Increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy, accommodate new species that are well-adapted to our changing climate, and recognize that trees are assets that require regular maintenance and provide significant benefits.Support the local nursery and tree care industry and the use of local, ISA-certified arborists and professional tree workers.Align with Hennepin County efforts to reduce persistent disparities in health, income, and employment among its residents.Countywide data analysis has identified a correlation between tree canopy deficient areas and concentrated areas of disparities. Tree canopy improvements play a role in disparity reduction because trees improve air quality by intercepting particulates and other pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, provide shade that mitigates excessive heat events and reduces energy consumption, and increases property values.
Amount of funding available per grant
Reimbursement of actual costs of project. Minimum amount of $1,000 up to a maximum amount of $5,000.
Matching funds
A 25% match of the total project costs is required.

Eligibility

Hennepin County has grants available to cities, affordable housing properties, schools, and non-profit organizations to enhance the county’s tree canopy.To be eligible for the Grant, the Applicant must be a city government and located in Hennepin County. Eligible applicant criteria Cities that are need of a community tree inventory or have an incomplete inventory. Eligible projectsTo complete tree inventories only.Eligible expenses- Expenses associated with completing a tree inventory, including:Purchasing pre-approved software, such as ArcGIS or asset management software, for tree inventory purposesPurchasing pre-approved technology needed for inventoryHiring consultant to complete inventory