Parks and Parkways Tree Planting Grant

The Parks and Parkways Tree Planting Grant is administered through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in partnership with the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways. This funding opportunity is supported by a one-time allocation from the City Council and is designed to advance the city’s long-term environmental resilience strategy. Specifically, the initiative contributes to the goal of planting 40,000 new trees by 2030 to restore and expand the urban forest. The program reflects a coordinated effort to address environmental challenges such as heat vulnerability, stormwater management, and air quality, while also strengthening community engagement in public green spaces. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in Orleans Parish that can assist in implementing tree planting projects on public property. These projects are expected to align with broader municipal priorities related to environmental sustainability and equitable access to green infrastructure. Funding is intended to support direct planting activities and associated operational needs, ensuring that selected organizations have the resources necessary to execute planting initiatives effectively and responsibly. Grant funds may be used for tree planting, necessary supplies, and related expenses directly tied to implementation. However, there are clear restrictions on the use of funds. Awards may not be used for general operating expenses, fundraising efforts, or lobbying activities. This ensures that all allocated funding is directed toward tangible project outcomes. Additionally, recipients must adhere to technical requirements established by the Department of Parks and Parkways, including compliance with permitting processes and data reporting through designated systems such as the Tree Collector App. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations located within Orleans Parish. Applicants must also demonstrate a successful track record by having completed and reported on any prior tree planting grants received. This requirement emphasizes accountability and ensures that funded organizations possess the operational capacity and experience necessary to deliver results. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate strong community partnerships, technical expertise, and long-term maintenance planning as part of their application. The application process requires submission through the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s online portal. Organizations must either log into an existing profile or create a new one to apply. Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar scheduled prior to the deadline, although attendance is not mandatory for submission. Applications must include a complete proposal along with supporting materials that outline project scope, budget, and implementation strategy. The review process is conducted by a committee of stakeholders led by the Foundation, using criteria such as organizational capacity, community impact, engagement strategy, and budget alignment. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes an application opening date of April 13, 2026, and a submission deadline of May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Award notifications are expected in June 2026. Funded projects will take place during the 2026–2027 planting season. Grant payments are distributed in two installments, contingent upon the completion of specified milestones and submission of required interim and final reports. These reporting requirements include both programmatic and financial documentation to ensure transparency and accountability. Overall, the Parks and Parkways Tree Planting Grant represents a targeted investment in environmental infrastructure and community resilience. By leveraging nonprofit partnerships, the program aims to accelerate progress toward urban forestry goals while fostering community involvement and stewardship. The structured application, evaluation, and reporting processes ensure that funded projects deliver measurable impact aligned with citywide priorities.

Align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria including organizational capacity community impact engagement and budget alignment and demonstrate prior experience with similar projects