Funding for Community-Led Tree Planting Projects

by Libby Mahoney

The International Tree Foundation (ITF) is offering the UK Community Tree Planting Programme Grant for 2024-2025. This grant supports community-based projects in the UK that aim to enhance biodiversity, increase tree cover, and engage communities in environmental conservation.

There are two funding streams available:

Community Woodlands/Hedging: For projects planting between 100 to 25,000 trees per year. The funding covers up to £1.95 per tree (including tree protection and mulch) and includes two maintenance grants of £0.10 per tree, disbursed in the first and second summers after planting.
Community Orchards: For projects planting up to 30 trees per year (specific funding amount not provided).

Eligible uses include purchasing trees and planting materials, organising community planting events, and conducting educational activities on tree conservation. Organisations eligible to apply include community groups, schools, and other non-profit organisations.

All activities must take place in publicly accessible spaces, including schools, parks, rights of way, and sites managed by community groups.
There is a two-stage application process. Stage one establishes the project’s eligibility. Applicants successful at this stage will have until 12 p.m. on Friday, December 13th, 2024, to submit a full application.

For more information click here.

Don’t forget that SCVO’s Development Team offers a FREE ‘critical friend service’ to groups that deliver in Sandwell and support Sandwell residents to help you build a stronger case for investment from the funder! (If you are from outside the borough, we may still be able to help through our fee-based SCVO+ service). Drop us a line at support@scvo.info to find out more.