The DTE Energy Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are partnering once again to fund tree-planting projects across Michigan. A total of $175,000 is available in matching grants of up to $4,000 each, to be awarded on a competitive basis.
This marks the 18th year of the DTE Energy Foundation partnership with the DNR, which has resulted in more than 38,000 trees and seedlings being planted in 472 Michigan communities. The program, paid for by the foundation, is administered by the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program. The 2015 DTE Tree Planting grant application period opens Friday, April 24, in honor of Arbor Day.
“Launching our annual tree-planting initiative around Arbor Day is a natural fit for DTE Energy,” said Faye Nelson, vice president, public affairs, DTE Energy and president, DTE Energy Foundation. “Arbor Day symbolizes a concern for future generations, and DTE has a long history of preserving, protecting and sustaining our environment in the communities where we live and serve.”
Eligible applicants include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, tribes and schools and must be located within the service territory of DTE Energy. Tree-planting projects must occur on public property such as parks, street rights-of-way and school grounds. All grants require a 1-to-1 match, which can be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal funds.
“Trees are an important part of every community, providing multiple values and benefits that enrich our lives and improve the environment,” said Kevin Sayers, DNR Urban Community Forestry program coordinator. “Through this ongoing partnership with the DTE Energy Foundation, communities and partners can request funding to help improve their community through tree planting.”
Grant applications must be postmarked by June 5, 2015, at the address below. Award announcements are anticipated in August for projects that must be completed by May 31, 2016.
For more information, or to get a grant application, visit the DNR’s Urban Community Forestry website at www.michigan.gov/ucf, or contact Kevin Sayers at 517-284-5898, via email at sayersk@michigan.gov or by mail at P.O. Box 30452 Lansing, MI 48909.
Source: DEQ
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