25 Million Trees Nursery Discount Program

The 25 Million Trees Nursery Discount Program is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as part of a broader statewide environmental initiative aimed at expanding forest cover, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting climate mitigation goals. The program is structured to incentivize the production and distribution of tree seedlings by providing financial support to eligible applicants, thereby increasing the availability and affordability of trees for planting across New York. This initiative reflects the state’s long-term investment in reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental restoration. The primary purpose of the program is to facilitate the growth and distribution of millions of trees by supporting nurseries and related entities through discounted production or supply mechanisms. Funding is intended to offset costs associated with nursery operations, including seedling cultivation, infrastructure, and distribution logistics. The program emphasizes environmental outcomes such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and improved watershed health. While specific allowable costs are not exhaustively listed in the provided materials, it is implied that funds must be used in alignment with nursery production and tree distribution activities that contribute directly to the program’s environmental objectives. Eligibility for the program is notably broad and inclusive, encompassing for-profit organizations, governmental entities, individuals, nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations. This wide eligibility scope indicates an intent to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in achieving statewide environmental goals. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their capacity to contribute to nursery production or tree distribution efforts, although detailed eligibility thresholds or technical qualifications are not explicitly outlined in the provided materials. The application process is conducted through the New York State Grants Management System, and applicants are required to submit their proposals by the specified deadline. Interested applicants may participate in an application workshop scheduled for May 5, 2026, which serves as an informational session rather than a required pre-application step. Questions regarding the grant must be submitted by July 29, 2026, with responses made publicly available through the grants system. Applicants are instructed to direct general inquiries to the program email and technical questions to the Grants Management helpdesk. The application deadline is August 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Following submission, applications will be reviewed according to criteria established by the Department of Environmental Conservation, though specific evaluation metrics are not detailed in the provided information. The anticipated award date is October 1, 2026, indicating a relatively short review period of approximately two months. Successful applicants will enter into contracts with an anticipated initial term of 14 months, during which funded activities must be completed. The program provides a substantial total funding pool of $46,200,000, underscoring the scale and importance of the initiative. While individual award amounts and the number of awards are not specified, the size of the total funding suggests the potential for multiple awards supporting a range of project sizes. No matching requirement is indicated, which may lower barriers to participation and encourage broader applicant engagement. The program does not specify recurrence, and in the absence of such information, it is treated as a one-time funding opportunity for the current cycle. For additional information, applicants are encouraged to consult the Department of Environmental Conservation website or contact the program directly via the provided email. Technical assistance is also available through the state’s Grants Management helpdesk. Overall, the program represents a significant investment in environmental infrastructure and offers a valuable opportunity for eligible entities to contribute to large-scale reforestation and ecological restoration efforts across New York State.