Application Period Open for Community Tree Planting Grant

NASHVILLE - A funding opportunity from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) provides financial assistance to communities to expand tree canopy coverage and support sustainable urban ecosystems statewide.

"Our Urban and Community Forestry Program partners with Tennessee's communities, helping them enhance the well-being of residents by cultivating and sustaining healthy urban and community forests," State Forester Heather Slayton said. "One way we do that is through financial assistance that expands access to the benefits trees provide, including stormwater mitigation, cleaner air and reduced heat."

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Community Tree Planting Program grant is funded by the state of Tennessee. This grant's goal is to increase tree canopy cover in urban and suburban areas. Eligible expenses include trees and shipping costs, contracted planting, mulch, irrigation devices, tree labels and signage. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits and public educational institutions. Awards range from $500 to $20,000.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Central time on Sept. 4, 2026, at Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry Program.

For proposal assistance, contact Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Ashley Kite-Rowland at [email protected].

TDF's Urban and Community Forestry Program promotes the growth and sustainability of healthy forests through outreach, education and financial support. For more information, visit Urban and Community Forestry.

The Division of Forestry protects, conserves and enhances Tennessee's forest resources. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries and fighting wildland fires.