On behalf of the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCF), the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is excited to announce the 2024 Community Tree Planting Program, extending a significant funding opportunity for tree planting projects in urban areas across Vermont. The initiative, supported by Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), aims to enhance urban tree canopy, improve water quality, and boost public health through strategic planting initiatives as a crucial component of community development efforts.

Grant Details

• Funding Allocation: A total of $315,000 is available for grant awards in 2024, with an additional $315,000 in 2025.
• Award Range: Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $75,000, facilitating a diverse range of projects tailored to local needs and priorities.
• Eligible Applicants: Municipalities, public educational institutions, and registered non-profits are invited to apply. Regional Planning Commissions may apply on behalf of one or more of their member municipalities.
• Project Focus: Emphasizing equitable distribution and community impact, projects will target urban areas with low (<40%) canopy cover, state-designated planning areas, and census tracts identified on the Vermont Social Vulnerability Index.
• Application Process: Grants will be distributed through two rounds of competitive selection, details of which are on the program webpage. Round 1 applications are due on May 17, 2024, while Round 2 applications have a deadline of January 17, 2025.

Key Objectives

• Environmental Stewardship: Leverage co-benefits of trees to mitigate the impacts of climate change, conserve energy, provide food, manage stormwater, enhance public spaces, and improve public health.
• Community Engagement: Foster partnerships and empower local stakeholders to start or scale up local urban forestry programs.
• Equity and Inclusion: Ensure equitable access to green spaces and tree canopy cover and create lasting pathways for future benefits in underserved communities.

Support and Resources

• Training Opportunities: Program staff will host an informational webinar on Thursday, April 11th from 9:30am-11:00am to offer applicants a chance to engage directly with program staff, ask questions, and gain insights into grant criteria and submission requirements. Additional trainings will be provided to grant awardees on project management and implementation.
• Technical Assistance
  • Grant Application & Submission Questions: Darren Schibler, Senior Planner, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, (802) 846-4490 ext. 135, dschibler@ccrpcvt.org
  • Project Development Questions and Technical Assistance Requests: Adam McCullough, Urban Forester,(802) 522-5104, adam.mccullough@vermont.gov.

Community Tree Planting Grants