Tree Planting and Reforestation Funding Sources and Programs
The following grant programs provide support and funding for tree planting projects and enhancing woodland protection. See the individual program websites for grant deadlines — note that many of the tree planting programs have a fall deadline.
PECO Green Region Open Space Program — PECO provides grant awards of up to $10k to municipalities and non-profit organizations. These grants cover habitat improvement and enhanced tree cover, consulting fees, trail construction, land acquisition, and or/ the cost of creating and implementing an open space plan.
TreeVitalize Watershed Grants — This grant program focuses on planting trees along streams, neighboring upland areas, and natural stormwater basins and is administered by the Chester County Conservation District. The application period typically opens in September. Applicants must have at least one PHS Tree Tender on their planting team or have training on proper tree selection, planting, and establishment.
Keystone Ten Million Trees Partnership — This statewide initiative provides free trees as well as site prep, stewardship support and general advice for farmers, municipalities, and private landowners, particularly those within priority areas like the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program is administered locally by the Chester County Conservation District. Applications for trees and shrubs are available in the Spring and Fall.
Landowner's Guide to Conservation Buffer Incentive Programs in PA — This guide provides a list of conservation and riparian buffer financial incentives available to PA farmers and other landowners.
National Wildlife Federation — The National Wildlife Federation provides reimbursement for free or subsidized native tree seedlings to partners who in turn plant them through local restoration projects or community tree giveaway events. Applicants must have a plan for tree maintenance after planting.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides a number of grants such as the Chesapeake Small Watershed Grants which includes funding for riparian forest buffers and urban tree planting and the maintenance and enhancement of existing urban tree canopy. The full array of active grant programs can be viewed on their website.
PA Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Plus program — Growing Greener Plus provides funding for a variety of project types including watershed restoration work such as: watershed assessments; development and implementation of watershed restoration or protection plans; implementation of stormwater management wetlands, riparian buffer fencing and planting, streambank restoration, agricultural BMPs; and demonstration/education projects and outreach activities. Eligible applicants include municipalities, municipal authorities, watershed organizations, and other non-profits.
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Grants
Riparian Forest Buffer Program — Landowner outreach, buffer design, site preparation and buffer installation, plant materials and tree shelters, and short term maintenance (within the 4-year grant period). Multifunctional buffers refer to a riparian forest buffer that includes both native riparian forested trees and shrubs as well as harvested products such as berries, woody florals, biomass etc. Additional specifics about the concept are provided on DCNR buffer webpage.
Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program — The Schuylkill Highlands Mini Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program funded by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered by Natural Lands. The program offers a yearly spring grant round funding grants from $1K to $25K that encourage sustainable development, protect and steward natural resources, implement land stewardship, restoration, riparian buffers, conservation plans and ordinances among other outdoor recreation projects.
Community & Watershed Forestry — This program provides financial assistance to identify locations in need of riparian forest buffers, lawn conversion into meadows or woodland, community tree planting, and to design, implement, and establish those practices (those requesting TreeVitalize funding should apply here).
Community Recreation and Conservation Planning — This program funds planning projects laying groundwork for land acquisition, development and/or management of parks, recreation facilities, critical habitat, natural areas, greenways, and river/watershed corridors.
Park Rehabilitation and Development supports rehabilitation and development of public parks, recreation facilities, greenways, and river conservation projects and is funded under the Small Community Program.
State and Regional Partnerships — These projects are collaborative, statewide or regional initiatives to help build local, county, regional and statewide capacity to better develop and manage park and recreation facilities and to promote natural heritage resources through plan implementation, education and training.
Arbor Day Foundation offers several programs that support expanding tree canopies throughout communities.
The Tree City USA designation program for communities — To obtain this annual designation, communities must maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrate Arbor Day.
Energy Saving Trees initiative — This program is designed to provide homeowners with free trees they can plant on their property in locations that will contribute to the most energy savings. Municipalities can partner with the Arbor Day Foundation to promote this program in their communities.
Tree Campus K-12 — This certification program inspires collaboration between schools, students, and communities to facilitate experiences with trees as a learning tool. The Arbor Day Foundation provides helpful resources to integrate trees into curriculum and foster relationships with partners.
For a full range of grant funding opportunities under multiple topics visit our Municipal Grant Opportunities webpage.