A Tree for Every Delawarean

The Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative is a state-led grant program administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control through its Division of Climate, Coastal, and Energy in partnership with the Delaware Forest Service. The initiative is part of a broader statewide climate strategy focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The program emphasizes tree planting as a natural climate solution by increasing carbon sequestration, improving environmental quality, and enhancing community resilience. Through this funding opportunity, the program seeks to support organizations in implementing tree planting projects across Delaware during a defined seasonal window in spring 2027. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support afforestation and reforestation projects that expand tree canopy in appropriate locations throughout the state. Eligible projects must involve planting trees that are native to Delaware or the Mid Atlantic region, including native cultivars. The program explicitly excludes projects involving street trees, landscaping trees, or trees required for compliance with zoning or development regulations. All funded projects must be completed within a strict planting timeframe between March and mid May 2027, ensuring alignment with optimal planting conditions and program oversight timelines. Funding is available in the form of reimbursement based grants, with individual awards ranging from ten thousand dollars to thirty thousand dollars and a total program allocation of approximately one hundred eighteen thousand dollars. The funding can be used for trees, planting supplies, maintenance materials, and limited personnel costs, with strict cost allocation requirements. At least eighty five percent of funds must be directed toward trees and related supplies, while no more than fifteen percent may be used for labor or personnel. The program imposes a cap on average cost per tree of three hundred dollars, which includes all associated project expenses. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including non tree vegetation, heavy equipment purchases, travel expenses, and any expenditures incurred prior to issuance of a purchase order. Eligibility for this program is broad but clearly defined, encompassing state agencies, counties, municipalities, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations with federal tax exempt status, public and private educational institutions, tribal governments, and corporate entities managing campus properties. Applicants must either own the land where planting will occur or provide documentation of agreement with the landowner. Ineligible applicants include private individuals, contractors, developers, and homeowners associations. Although no matching funds are required, applicants are encouraged to contribute additional resources to strengthen project proposals. The application process requires submission of a formal proposal using a designated template provided by the program. Proposals must be submitted via email by the stated deadline and include detailed information on project scope, budget, site conditions, community benefits, and feasibility. Applicants are limited to a single submission but may include multiple planting sites within that proposal. The program emphasizes careful budgeting and prohibits requests for additional funding after submission, reinforcing the need for accurate cost estimation during proposal development. Proposals are evaluated through a structured scoring process conducted by staff from the administering agencies. Evaluation criteria include project scope, environmental and community benefits, outreach and educational components, environmental justice considerations, and overall feasibility. Projects are ranked based on a one hundred point system, with the highest weighting given to project benefits and scope. Funding decisions may result in full or partial awards and may include conditions that must be met prior to execution of a grant agreement. The program follows a defined timeline beginning with a proposal deadline in early August 2026 and anticipated award notifications in early September 2026. Following selection, a procurement and contracting phase occurs in the fall, leading into project implementation in spring 2027. Funds are distributed through formal agreements and reimbursement mechanisms, with some recipients eligible for partial advance payments upon meeting milestone requirements. Final reporting is required at the conclusion of the project and must include detailed documentation of planting activities, financial expenditures, and project outcomes. Applicants may contact the program coordinator directly for guidance, and all communications and submissions are handled through official program channels.

Ensure budget accuracy avoid padding funds demonstrate clear environmental and community benefits and align with evaluation scoring criteria