Who Can Apply

Grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 are available to non profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and their partners, such as community gardeners, friends of parks, schools and library groups, civic and neighborhood associations, etc. Organizations without tax-exempt status can apply with a 501(c)(3) organization serving as the fiscal agent.

How to Apply

Complete and submit a GBG application form, a property owner consent form and a watering & maintenance agreement. Site visits for all applications will be conducted to inspect site for appropriateness of tree species selection. Applicants will be notified of decisions.

What are Eligible Projects

Trees must be planted in the City of Boston, with volunteers, in publicly accessible areas such as schools, greenways, gardens, parks, grounds of health and social service agencies, and in projects of community development corporations (CDC), etc. The program is focusing on neighborhoods underserved by tree canopy as identified in the report State of the Urban Forest, by the Urban Ecology Institute, Spring 2008.

Many different trees can be planted with grant funding. See the tree list for recommended tree species. In order to maximize the amount of tree canopy provided by the grant, eligible projects will have a minimum tree caliper of 1”. Larger tree sizes are encouraged. To increase environmental impact, group plantings of five or more trees are encouraged.

Funds must be used only for tree purchases, delivery costs and initial planting supplies (e.g. mulch, compost, stakes, tree gators). A maintenance plan must be completed and submitted which includes a signed watering agreement for the first three years after planting. Trees need to be planted in a reasonable time frame.

What is NOT Eligible

GBG funds cannot be used for private, no-access locations. GBG funds cannot be used to buy seedlings. Street tree plantings are not eligible for funding under this grant program. Funds cannot be used for tools, contractor costs, or other labor involved in planting the trees. Funds are for the initial tree costs only, not for the follow up maintenance period.

Training and Support

If funded, at least one representative of each project is required to attend a mandatory two-hour training session regarding site selection, planting and maintenance of trees, and the management of volunteers.

Financial Information

To ensure proper completion of the project, while providing enough capital to begin, the grant will be awarded in a 60% pre-project, 40% post project distribution. Upon the project’s completion, copies of receipts must be mailed to BNAN. If the project costs less than the initial grant distribution, the grant recipient must refund the excess distribution to BNAN. BNAN representatives will complete a follow-up site visit to ensure the satisfactory completion of the project.

Timeline

For Spring 2013 grant round (view photos from recent grants here)