Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Tree Canada

Tree Canada stands out as the only national non-profit organization with the exclusive mandate of planting and nurturing trees across all Canadian provinces, encompassing both rural and urban environments. Founded in 1992 , Tree Canada's fundamental mission is to "inspire, educate, and enable Canadians to plant and nurture trees to improve lives and address climate change". Its establishment in 1992 occurred during a period of growing environmental awareness and increased recognition of the importance of urban forestry in Canada, with cities like Vancouver and Calgary beginning to implement urban forest programs around that time. The organization has consistently worked to expand Canada's forest cover through greening programs, research, and advocacy efforts, adopting a multidimensional approach that reflects a strategic commitment to direct action and broader systemic change. Its focus on both rural and urban environments indicates a comprehensive strategy to address diverse ecological and community needs nationwide, filling a critical gap in the non-profit environmental sector. Tree Canada's continuous efforts to "grow Canada's tree canopy" and "cultivate resilient ecosystems" demonstrate a long-term adaptive strategy that responds to evolving environmental challenges, such as wildfires and climate change. The partnership with the federal "2 Billion Trees" program further reinforces the organization's national significance, positioning it as a crucial partner for government initiatives and large corporations seeking to make a nationwide environmental impact.

Tree Canada manages a diverse portfolio of programs designed to fulfill its mission of expanding forest cover and fostering healthier communities across Canada. These programs address various environmental and social needs, ranging from direct planting to carbon offsetting and public engagement. The organization places a strong emphasis on collaboration, partnering with various entities to plant millions of trees annually, with the goal of cultivating resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities.

As a key administrator of financial support, Tree Canada employs a multifaceted approach, combining competitive grants, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic donations to fund its extensive programs. The organization offers three main community tree grants, each providing up to $10,000 in funding and technical support, with applications accepted each fall. These grants include the Greening School Grounds grant, which supports school greening projects aimed at improving students' learning experiences and strengthening their connection with nature, and is available to educational institutions. The Edible Trees grant aims to combat food insecurity by funding the planting of fruit or nut-producing trees and shrubs in publicly accessible community sites, with funds available for schools, non-profit organizations, community groups, food banks, community housing projects, Indigenous communities, and municipalities. Lastly, the Treemendous Communities grants encourage and support tree planting projects that provide lasting benefits where people live, work, and play, and are available to Canadian municipalities, Indigenous communities, business improvement associations, non-profit organizations, and community groups.

Beyond these grants, Tree Canada administers community greening programs that aim to foster healthier environments in cities and communities nationwide. Among these are Partners in Planting, which offers businesses the opportunity to strengthen team bonds while promoting civic behavior. Operation ReLeaf focuses on post-disaster recovery, helping communities re-green after natural disasters or pest infestations, highlighting Tree Canada's role in climate resilience and disaster response. Growing Canadian Community Canopy Growth is a significant initiative with a $291 million budget, led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund, where Tree Canada collaborates to provide expertise in planting and maintaining diverse forest cover. The CN EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up program, sponsored by CN, offers financial assistance to Canadian municipalities and Indigenous communities for local and sustainable planting and greening initiatives. The Hydro-Québec Greening Fund is another specific funding source, and the Tree Cities of the World program encourages Canadian cities to adopt international best practices in urban forestry.

Tree Canada's National Greening Program is dedicated to large-scale reforestation and afforestation across Canada through mass seedling plantings, with a focus on restoring and developing forests. In 2022, the organization planted over two million trees across five regions in Canada. This program emphasizes quality, adhering to specific silvicultural prescriptions and conducting survival assessments at years 1, 2, and 5 post-planting. Site selection is collaborative, prioritizing municipal or First Nations lands for forest conservation. The partnership with the federal "2 Billion Trees" program significantly contributed to Tree Canada's planting efforts in 2022. The organization invites landowners and tree planting companies to submit project proposals, offering expertise and financial support to landowners, as well as large-scale planting opportunities to companies.

The carbon offsetting initiative, Plant Pure Air, allows individuals and businesses to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits that directly support coastal First Nations communities in protecting the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia. Each carbon credit represents one tonne of captured greenhouse gas, verified by annual measurements and recorded in British Columbia's carbon registry. This initiative generates revenue and creates jobs for coastal First Nations, supporting local economies through conservation and sustainable industries. Tree Canada deliberately integrates Indigenous communities not only as beneficiaries but also as active partners and administrators of environmental projects, leveraging traditional ecological knowledge and promoting self-determination.

National Tree Day, celebrated annually in September, promotes awareness and participation in tree-related activities across Canada, with BMO as a key sponsor. In 2022, the organization launched its first National Tree Day event contest, encouraging schools and organizations to compete for a free tree planting event.

Tree Canada's diverse programs allow it to address multiple facets of environmental challenges, such as urban heat islands, biodiversity loss, climate change, and disaster recovery. This multifaceted approach not only amplifies its overall impact but also diversifies its funding sources, making the organization more resilient.

Tree Canada demonstrates robust financial management, with significant growth in revenue and assets in recent years. In 2023, the organization reported total revenue of over $10.7 million, primarily from its programs ($9,631,804) and donations ($1,116,835). Total expenses also increased, reaching $7,803,344 in 2023, with the majority ($6,805,835) allocated to program expenses. Tree Canada consistently generates an excess of revenue over expenses, with $2,992,914 in 2023, indicating sound fiscal management. The organization's total fund balances have grown substantially, reaching $11,307,085 in 2023, with a significant portion ($9,366,092) consisting of restricted funds tied to specific program delivery. This financial strength provides the necessary capital and stability to support current operations and scale up initiatives.

The organization demonstrates significant tangible impact through its programs. In 2022 alone, Tree Canada planted 1,513,172 trees and supported greening projects in 148 communities across Canada. The organization also developed partnerships with 60 new corporate sponsors and engaged 7,154 volunteers in its community tree grant projects. Specific regional impacts include planting 120 trees in Fort McMurray, Alberta, as part of ongoing recovery efforts from the devastating 2016 wildfires, and committing $50,000 in relief funding for Prince Edward Island for trees damaged by Hurricane Fiona. The "2 Billion Trees" partnership with the federal government was a significant factor in the large planting numbers for 2022. Tree Canada's programs aim for qualitative outcomes such as improving student learning experiences and addressing food insecurity. The impact of the Plant Pure Air program extends to protecting old-growth trees, preserving biodiversity, and creating economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. The commitment to verifiable, long-term impact, with post-planting survival assessments and maintenance commitments spanning decades, enhances Tree Canada's credibility with donors and partners. Tree Canada's key achievements demonstrate a vital and growing role in climate change adaptation and disaster recovery efforts in Canada, positioning it as an essential partner for governments and communities facing the increasing impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, Tree Canada is a key player in environmental stewardship in Canada. Its ability to mobilize funds, implement diverse programs, and demonstrate measurable impact, while fostering strategic partnerships with the federal government (notably the "2 Billion Trees" program) and Indigenous communities, ensures its continued influence on national environmental policy and action. The organization is well-positioned to continue its growth and leadership in creating resilient ecosystems and greener communities across Canada.