The Community Tree Fund is a collaborative effort between the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program (VT UCF). This partnership is dedicated to supporting Vermont’s communities by addressing the need for more flexible funding for small-scale tree planting projects. With this collaboration, we can bridge this gap and provide resources for projects under $5,000, which are often restricted by traditional grant structures.

Goals of Community Tree Fund

This fund will enable VT UCF to support modest yet impactful initiatives that contribute to the health and vitality of Vermont’s urban and community forests.

• Support small, specialized tree planting projects beyond our regular initiatives.
• Solicit projects that celebrate community and align with our mission.
• Advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in urban and community forestry.

Eligible Projects

• Small scale tree planting projects in Vermont, typically 1-10 trees.
• Tree planting location must be identified in application.
• Preference will be given to projects planted on public land. Projects on private land are allowed if there is a demonstrated public benefit.
• Projects may address a specific need, such as increasing shade, improving air quality, beautifying spaces, or fostering community engagement.
• Municipalities, non-profits, and volunteer led groups may apply. Individuals are not eligible.  

Process

• Applications: will be accepted on a rolling basis with 2 seasonal deadlines.
  • Spring deadline: April 18, 2025
  • Fall deadline: September 12, 2025
• Review & Selection Process: proposals will be reviewed by VELCO and VT UCF staff after each seasonal deadline. Projects will be selected and applicants will be notified no more than 2 weeks after each deadline.
• Project Planning: VT UCF staff will meet with awarded project coordinators to plan the tree planting projects, either in person or virtually. Applicants will not receive direct funding. VELCO and VT UCF staff will facilitate tree purchase and delivery.
• Tree Planting: Tree planting will be the responsibility of the project applicant, with support from VT UCF and VELCO staff as needed.

Allowable Expenses

Proposed project must cost less than $2,000. The fund will support:

• Tree purchase and delivery.
• Tree irrigation supplies (mulch, watering devices, etc.).

Selected projects will not receive direct payment. VELCO and VT UCF staff will purchase tree(s) and facilitate delivery. Excluded expenses include: payment of services to individuals or organizations for planting, mileage, or time.

Memorandum of Understanding

After selection, VT UCF will work with selected partners to develop an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will be signed by both parties prior to the project commencing.

Project Reporting

Awardees will be required to submit at least one digital photograph of the planted tree(s) and a short project summary. Project reports may be shared on social media. 

Questions

For more information about the Community Tree Fund, contact Gwen Kozlowski at 802-656-7638 or gwen.kozlowski@uvm.edu.

Sponsorship

A special thank you to VELCO for their generous donation and partnership, which has made the Community Tree Fund possible. Their support is helping to strengthen Vermont’s urban and community forests across the state.