Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Planting Grant

Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Planting Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Trees Forever
Amount: US $3,000 - US $15,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Illinois Community Canopy Grant, offered by Trees Forever, supports disadvantaged communities in enhancing their tree canopy through tree planting projects. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000 for first-time applicants, with eligibility for up to $20,000 for milestones like establishing a tree board. The program emphasizes volunteer involvement and requires a diverse selection of tree species to promote long-term forest health. This initiative aims to fortify community forests and prepare for environmental challenges.

Overview

Trees Forever is focusing on improving forests in disadvantaged communities! We help disadvantaged communities replant and also fortify their established community forest. Thanks to a partnership between Trees Forever, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, these services and helpful resources are available to Illinois communities. Trees Forever’s Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds tree-planting projects that diversify the tree canopy in disadvantaged Illinois communities. Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as; along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more. Funding to Replant Your Community Forest Grants 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.  Our staff will help community leaders and volunteers plan and complete successful planting projects and develop or update tree ordinances, tree boards and management plans. Grant awards are for a minimum of $3,000 and a maximum of $15,000 for first time applicants. Those communities achieving a milestone like development of a tree board, or adoption of tree ordinance will be eligible for up to $20,000 for tree planting.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Requires volunteer involvement, including a a committee of least 5 people.This grant can ONLY be used to cover the cost of the trees themselves, not supplemental materials – those can be counted towards the match. Reimbursement will occur once planting is completed and documentation is submitted.Tree species selected must be a diverse selection appropriate to your community.Review the Species Selection folder on our resource page.No match is required.Trees planted shall be between 1” and 2” caliper measured at 6” above the root flare.Tree planting projects must be planned and executed to promote the long-term survival of the trees. All trees purchased through this proposal are preferred to be from nurseries that are licensed by the Illinois Nursery Inspection Program. Trees must be purchased from entities which are compliant with all applicable State and Federal regulations including spongy (gypsy) moth compliance agreements, pesticide licensure, etc. meaning trees should be purchased from grower nurseries and not tree brokers.Only disadvantaged communities are eligible. To check your community's location eligibility, watch the video found here.

Ineligibility

Shrubs (species that do not grow beyond 10 feet in height) are not eligible for reimbursement.Tree species that have invasive qualities shall not be planted under this program. Prohibited species includes the following, and any other invasive species:Callery pear (Bradford pear) or other exotic pear species- Pyrus spp. Tree-of-heaven - Ailanthus altissimaAutumn olive - Elaeagnus umbellataMimosa - Albizia julibrissinNorway maple - Acer platanoides