Trees for Communities Grant Program
The Trees for Communities Grant Program addresses the uneven distribution of tree canopy across Connecticut by providing financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need. Projects must increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry objectives such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood. Projects must be rooted in community support and demonstrate efforts to meaningfully incorporate community needs into project design.
The Trees for Communities Grant Program supports a variety of urban and community forestry projects including but not limited to:
Tree planting on private lands with permission of landowner
A previously awarded project called “Live Here- Love Trees” program from the Town of Vernon.
Engaging groups in urban forest planning and planting
A series of visioning and community meetings held in Bridgeport, CT.
Work force development
A “GreenSkills Program” from New Haven, CT
Invasive species management
An invasive removal workshop in New Haven called "De-Vining: Removing Invasive Plants and Protecting Native Trees and Understory".
Urban wood utilization
A “Wood Material Management Program” in Hartford, CT.
Impervious surface removal to create space for tree planting
You may also wish to review the Urban and Community Forestry Grants Accomplishments page with additional examples of previously funded projects in Connecticut. Projects must demonstrate direct benefit to communities indicated in DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Screening Tool.
This program is no longer accepting applications. Recipients will be notified of their awards by October 31, 2025, by email.
All applicants, especially first time applicants, are encouraged to review the Request for Proposals, FAQ, and Urban and Community Forestry Grant Starter Guide for an overview of the applicant process and proposal writing guidance.
Program Support
The program offered an informational webinar on July 8, 2025. View the Trees for Communities Grant Webinar recording.
Reach out to DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov for more information
Content last updated September 2025.