DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program

The DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program supports community tree planting within the DTE Energy Electric or Gas service territory in Michigan. The program began in 1996 as part of DTE Energy's commitment to the U.S. Department of Energy's voluntary greenhouse gas reduction reporting program. Funding is provided annually by the DTE Energy Foundation and is managed jointly by ReLeaf Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program. The program is intended to promote awareness of tree benefits, provide education and assistance for proper planting and care, increase the number and diversity of community trees, strengthen community sustainability and climate resilience, encourage community engagement, and address environmental justice and tree equity. For the 2026-27 program, up to $95,000 is available, with a maximum award of $4,000 per project. Awards are competitive 1:1 cost-share reimbursement grants. The requested grant amount may not exceed 50 percent of total project costs, although a match waiver may be available with justification. Federal funds cannot be used for the required match. Cash and documented in-kind contributions may qualify, including salaries and wages, contractor or consulting fees, equipment, supplies, travel, shipping and delivery, and donations. Grant reimbursement is limited to tree purchases. Delivery, planting labor, and site preparation are not reimbursable but may count toward the required match. Payment is made only after evidence of completion of the approved project and eligibility of expenses. Eligible applicants include local units of government such as cities, villages, townships, and counties, tribal governments, public education institutions and libraries, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Both the applicant and tree planting site must be within DTE Energy's Electric or Gas service territory. Individuals and private businesses cannot apply directly but may partner with an eligible organization. Trees must be planted on public property or property open to the public, including public parks, municipal grounds, public street rights-of-way, arboretums and botanical gardens, schools, and neighborhood common spaces. Nonprofits must provide their IRS determination letter and, when planting on land they do not own, documented permission from the landowner. Tree pruning, tree removal, and establishment of tree nurseries are not eligible activities. Applications are submitted through the Michigan DNR MiGrants system. Organizations must be registered in MiGrants, and only users with the Authorized Official or Agency Staff role can submit an application. New account access may take up to 72 hours, and only one application per organization can be initiated and submitted. The application requires general applicant and project information; a project narrative addressing purpose, goals, deliverables, anticipated results, technical assistance needs, and project responsibilities; detailed tree planting information; a site map; a tree planting diagram; utility conflict information; a three-year maintenance plan; and budget information. Applicants must identify the number, size, stock type, species, quantities, and proposed locations of trees. Nonprofit applicants have additional documentation requirements. Native trees are encouraged, species diversity guidelines apply, and certain identified tree species are not eligible for reimbursement. Applications are evaluated by a committee of Michigan DNR, ReLeaf Michigan, and DTE staff. Review criteria include applicant and project eligibility, program goals and demonstrated need, project quality, budget accuracy, past performance when applicable, and geographic location. Project quality considers application completeness, outcomes, short- and long-term impacts, cost effectiveness, and plans for continuation or maintenance. Additional consideration may be given to first-time applicants, projects involving volunteers or DTE Energy staff, applicants that have not received a program grant within the previous year, projects addressing tree equity or environmental justice, projects linked to local urban forestry, climate, sustainability, or tree planting plans, projects that promote results through media, and projects offering workforce training or employment opportunities, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Applications are accepted from July 26 through September 14, 2026, and must be submitted by September 14, 2026 at 5pm ET. Applicants unable to submit through MiGrants must contact UCF Grant Specialist Kerry Gray no later than one week before the deadline regarding an alternative submission method. Grant awards are scheduled to be announced by October 31, 2026, although official notification can take up to two months after the application closes. Approved work may begin only after required grant documents have been signed by the grantee and countersigned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Projects must be completed by September 1, 2027, and final reimbursement requests and supporting documentation must be submitted by September 30, 2027. Project records must remain available for audit and site visits for up to three years. The primary program contact is Kerry Gray at GrayK12@michigan.gov or 734-691-1806. Technical project assistance is also available through ReLeaf Michigan at info@releafmichigan.org or 800-642-7353. Grant recipients must acknowledge support from the DTE Energy Foundation, Michigan DNR, and ReLeaf Michigan in appropriate media communications, postings, or publications. Recipients are also requested to record their completed tree planting information using the DNR MI Trees online recording tool before requesting reimbursement. Because the DTE Energy Foundation provides program funding annually, the program is treated as recurring, with the next cycle anticipated based on the current cycle's July opening pattern.

Answer every application question completely because missing information may disqualify the application. Demonstrate eligibility, need, measurable outcomes, cost effectiveness and long-term maintenance. Ensure the budget uses eligible grant expenses and documents adequate match. Follow tree species diversity and planting standards. Where applicable, demonstrate tree equity and environmental justice benefits, links to local tree planting or sustainability plans, volunteer or DTE staff involvement, media outreach and workforce training or employment opportunities.