Cities and non-profit organizations can now apply to receive funds to grow their community’s tree canopy through the County’s third round of the Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program.

Applications are open through Monday, February 28, 2022 and can be found on the County Planning Commission website.

This Grant Program achieves an action identified in the County’s 2019 Climate Change Action Plan through the annual contribution of $1 million for five years to revitalize the tree canopy in Cuyahoga County. Through the first two rounds of funding, 51 tree projects have been funded, 37 communities and non-profits have received funding, and over 2,700 trees have been planted.

“I am always impressed with the quality of work done by the cities and non-profits who apply for these dollars and plant these trees,” said Cuyahoga County Director of Sustainability Mike Foley. “There is a real recognition from the community at large about the climate, environmental, economic and health care consequences that urban forestry has for Cuyahoga County and its cities.”

The third round of grants continues to support the implementation of community urban forestry plans, expand the tree canopy through community reforestation projects and implement reforestation projects. Implementation Projects, which include the physical planting of trees, especially in vacant and open parcels, will be a component of every funded project.

“Mature trees provide shade as well as a variety of environmental, health, social, and economic benefits to communities,” said County Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Cierebiej. “The first couple of years after planting a tree are critical for the long-term health of a tree. The Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program assists communities in this initial investment not just to plant trees, but to grow and maintain trees. The County Planning Commission is happy to partner with the County Department of Sustainability, Cuyahoga County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Cuyahoga County Board of Health to administer this important program.”