Thursday, May 7, 2020

Michigan public tree-planting grants available via partnership

Thriving trees make a community an inviting place to live. A grant opportunity provided by the DTE Energy Foundation and administered by the DNR and nonprofit Releaf Michigan – a partnership that has supported community tree planting for 24 years – is helping schools, communities, tribes and eligible nonprofits add more green to their neighborhoods.

Eligible organizations within DTE Energy’s service territory may apply by June 15 for up to $4,000 in matching grants for public tree-planting projects. About $90,000 total is available.

Download a tree planting grant application ?

“The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to be a longtime partner in this program,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “These grants help communities across the state with their beautification projects and support an environmentally sustainable future for Michigan.”

Tree-planting projects must occur on public property such as parks, road rights-of-way and school grounds and promote the “right tree, right place” message about utility awareness. The required 1-to-1 match can be made of cash contributions or in-kind services, including volunteer efforts.

Awards will be announced in August and projects must be completed by May 31, 2021.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/UCF or contact Kevin Sayers(DNR), 517-284-5898; Colleen Rosso (DTE Energy), 313-235-5555 or Melinda Jones (ReLeaf Michigan), 800-642-7353.