Boston Tree Alliance Announces $1.2M in Tree Planting & Care Grants

The Boston Tree Alliance, in partnership with Mass Audubon and the City of Boston’s Office of Climate Resilience, is proud to announce the launch of its Tree Planting and Care Grant program for 2026. With $1.2 million in total funding available, this initiative aims to expand Boston’s urban tree canopy by supporting tree planting and associated maintenance projects on private land throughout the city.  

Eligible non-profit and community-based organizations can apply for grants of up to $249,000 to fund tree planting, site preparation, and two years of maintenance activities. The program prioritizes projects in under-canopied neighborhoods disproportionately affected by urban heat island effects, aligning with Boston’s Urban Forest Plan and Heat Plan. Funding is provided by multiple grants to the City of Boston from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and the American Rescue Plan Act.   

Key Dates:  

Application Opens: Now  

Spring 2026 Planting Deadline: December 5, 2025  

Fall 2026 Planting Deadline: February 3, 2026  

Who Can Apply:  

Non-profit and community-based organizations serving Boston residents or businesses are eligible. Joint applications with fiscal sponsors are encouraged for individuals or groups not eligible to apply independently.  

Eligible Projects:  

Tree planting on private property (residential, commercial, institutional, etc.)  

Maintenance activities (watering, pruning, mulching) for up to 2 years  

Site preparation directly related to tree planting (depaving, stump removal, green infrastructure)  

How to Apply:  

Applications must be submitted online via boston.gov/tree-grants. Required documents include a detailed project plan, budget, species list, and signed landowner agreements.  

Technical assistance is available to help applicants develop strong proposals. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] for support.