The Urban Trees Mini Grant Program provides funding for small tree planting projects in urban, underserved areas across Maryland. Part of Maryland’s commitment to plant 5,000,000 native trees by 2031, the goal of the Urban Trees Mini Grant Program is to improve access to natural resources that connect neighborhoods to a healthy, greener environment for current and future generations.
What this funds: Communities that would like to implement small tree planting projects (up to $10,000) are encouraged to seek support and funding through this opportunity.
Regions of the State in Which Tree Planting Projects Can Occur: Tree planting proposed must occur in urban areas with low median household income levels, high unemployment, and neighborhoods with housing projects or that were historically red-lined at any time.
To determine if a community is eligible, view the online map which displays qualifying urban underserved areas. Trees funded through this program must fall within the orange areas on the map found at this website or be located within a housing project.
CLICK ON THE MAP IMAGE DISPLAYED BELOW TO ACCESS THE MAPPING TOOL AND DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY.
Who can apply: Non-profit organizations, community and homeowner associations, faith-based organizations, and more. Please see the Request for Proposals (RFP) for full list of organizations.
How much can be awarded: Up to $10,000
Is match required? Match is encouraged but not required.
Grant Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant applications are all submitted through an online system, using the “Start a New Application” button to the right. More information about how to apply for grants at the Chesapeake Bay Trust can be found at Applicant Resources, Forms, & Policies. All information about this program, requirements, and instructions on how to apply are located in the RFP. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the program officer.
Application Resources
The resources below are provided to assist first-time applicants in planning their tree planting projects and submitting successful applications. To view more resources available to applicants, visit the Resources page.
Required Documents
In addition to completing the questions in the online application form, the following are required upon submission.
- Complete and upload the Narrative Questions Document
- Complete and upload the Financial Management Spreadsheet with detailed budget.
Recommended Documents
The following documents are optional for submission at this stage but highly encouraged. Final approval will be made upon successful completion of all project elements, and Trust staff will provide assistance as needed.
- Planting plan: A vicinity map with address, indicate the location, species, sizes, area, and spacing for the trees. Download the Example Planting Plan.
- Letters of landowner permission and/or partner commitment: For projects planned on property(ies) other those that owned by the applicant, a letter stating landowner permission; proof of permission to plant the trees by the landowner(s) except for street tree/neighborhood planting projects with multiple landowners/residents/stakeholders in which an engagement/outreach phase is needed. If working with local partners on elements of the project, include letters of commitment detailing their roles. Download the Example Landowner Agreement.
- Two-Year Maintenance Plan signed by the entity responsible for maintenance and the landowner, if different. See Appendix B: Maintenance Requirements for specific elements that must be included in the maintenance plan and download the Example Maintenance Plan.
Additional Application Resources
- Appendix A: Native Tree Species Selection: An overview to the factors to consider when selecting native tree species with links to native tree lists.
- Appendix B: Maintenance Requirements: A list of the maintenance activities that should be included in a two-year maintenance plan to support the survival of newly planted trees.
- Appendix C: Planting Site Selection: Considerations and actions to be taken during the project planning process when selecting sites to ensure that the tree plantings will be successful in the short and long term.
- Appendix D: Site Preparation: Activities to prepare sites for tree planting that are eligible expenses under this grant program.
- Appendix E: Online Application Form: A preview of the questions you will be asked when submitting the application form.
- Appendix F: Application Narrative Questions and Supporting Documents: The application narrative questions and recommended supporting documents needed to submit your application. Also available in a downloadable Word template above.
- Native Plant Nurseries in Maryland: A list of nurseries in Maryland that sell native trees.
- Tree Service Contractors in Maryland: A list of contractors who can assist you in site preparation, tree planting, and maintenance for your project.
Example Projects
Awardee: Piscataway Hills Citizens Association
Project Title: Piscataway Hills Lot 39 Tree Planting Project
Award Amount: $3,454
Piscataway Hill is a community in Fort Washington, MD. Piscataway Hills’ community owned park known as Lot 39 Waterfront Park is currently experiencing erosion due to the rising water levels. To address this issue Piscataway Hill’s Citizens Association worked with the Maryland Forest Service to plan a tree planting project which sought to assist with erosion control and land preservation. A mix of 60 native trees and shrubs were planted around the park to achieve this goal.
Awardee: Filbert Street Garden
Project Title: Native Garden Expansion Project
Award Amount: $5,000
Filbert Street Garden provides many community functions including stewardship of the local environment. It is a green oasis in the industrial area of Curtis Bay in Southern Baltimore City. This project planted nine native trees in the back of the garden as part of their goal to revitalize the pollinator garden.
Program Status: OPEN
Click Here to View the Request for Proposals (RFP)
Click Here to Download Narrative Questions
Deadline: Rolling basis. Requests are accepted on an on-going basis until funds are fully expended for the fiscal year.
Register Your Trees
It is required that Project Leads ensure that all trees planted through this program are registered to the Maryland Department of Environment’s Five Million Trees Tracking Tool.
Click Here to Register Your Trees!
Find a Native Plant Nursery Near You
Applicants applying to the Urban Trees Grant Program interested in nursery and landscape service providers by county can use the link below. Applicants are not required to use the provided services.
Maryland Native Plant Society
Grant Questions & Technical Support
Lianna Gomori-Ruben
lgomori-ruben@cbtrust.org
(410) 974-2941 x112
View the Trust’s Application Accessibility Statement
Click here to view the Trust's Accessibility Statement
