Tree Canopy for Climate Resilience (TCCR) Grant

Funder: Seattle Parks Foundation in partnership with Tree Equity Network

Geographic Scope: King County, with focus on South King County and unincorporated King County areas known to have lower tree canopy coverage

Focus Areas:

• Tree canopy expansion and environmental youth engagement projects
• Projects including: tree planting, youth workforce development, habitat restoration, soil testing, and related environmental work
• Climate resilience initiatives in underserved areas

Eligibility:

• Organizations working in South King County and unincorporated King County
• Organizations with demonstrated commitment to increasing tree canopy in low-canopy areas
• Organizations leading projects with environmental and youth engagement components
• Community-based nonprofits nominated by Tree Equity Network members

Geographic Priorities:

• South King County and unincorporated King County (areas with historically lower tree canopy coverage)

Background:
Made possible by an anonymous donation and facilitated by Seattle Parks Foundation, this pilot program represents the first grant program of the Tree Equity Network. The inaugural 2025 round funded five organizations. Plans for another round of funding are already in motion, and unsuccessful applicants from the first round will be automatically considered for future rounds.

Contact Information:

• Program Manager: Celeste Staples, Program Manager of Urban Climate Resilience Projects
• Phone: 206.332.9900
• Email: info@seattleparksfoundation.org
• Mailing Address: PO Box 3541, Seattle, WA 98124-3541

First Round (2025) Grantees:

1. Dirt Corps - Outdoor Innovators
2. Food Forest Collective - Beacon Food Forest
3. Outreach & Transform Lives - Rooted Futures: Youth-Led Tree Stewardship for Climate Resilience
4. Partner in Employment - PIE Restoration Training Crew
5. Serve Ethiopians Washington - Nurturing Nature, Growing Community

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Nomination period: August (Tree Equity Network members nominate organizations)
• Application deadline: Mid-October (for subsequent rounds)
• Award notifications: Following thorough review committee assessment

Required Materials:

• Application addressing program criteria and project details
• Documentation of organization's work in South King County or unincorporated King County
• Project description including tree canopy/environmental and youth engagement components
• Evidence of organizational capacity and track record

Review Process:

• Review committee consisting of Seattle Parks Foundation staff, Tree Equity Network members, and community members
• Comprehensive assessment of all applications
• Unsuccessful applicants automatically considered for future funding rounds

Application Contact:

• Celeste Staples, Program Manager of Urban Climate Resilience Projects
• Phone: 206.332.9900
• Email: info@seattleparksfoundation.org