Neighbourhood Planting Program

• Financial assistance of up to $500, depending on event size and number of trees/shrubs given away or planted.

• The applicant must be a grassroots, community-based not-for-profit group or organization (incorporated or unincorporated) based in Toronto.
• The group or organization must have at least one year of experience.
• Applicants must be accountable to, and representative of, the community they serve.
• Applicants must be in good standing with the City of Toronto.
• Unincorporated groups requesting funding must partner with a trustee organization (an incorporated not-for-profit or registered charity) to administer grant funds.

Who is eligible?

• Grassroots, community-based not-for-profit organizations (incorporated or unincorporated) based in Toronto

Who is not eligible

• For-profit companies or organizations.
• Businesses or organizations based outside the City of Toronto.
• Organizations with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or more.
• Groups not accountable to, or representative of, their community.
• Projects associated with political, religious, advocacy, fundraising, or research organizations as their primary activity.

Eligible expenses

• Purchase of materials to support the organization and operation of tree planting or giveaway events.
• Materials that help promote the survival of newly planted trees and shrubs.

Eligible geographic areas

• Non-profit community organizations based in Toronto
• Projects to be carried out in the City of Toronto

• Alignment of the project with the stated purpose of the program.
• Applicant’s demonstrated experience and capacity to deliver the event successfully.
• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed implementation process, including clearly defined deliverables.
• Reasonableness of event costs in relation to the proposed deliverables.
• Demonstrated impact of the event on increasing canopy cover, resident engagement, and leadership.

• The application period for fall events is separate from the spring application period; applicants should check the timeline for each cycle.
• Accommodation for accessibility needs, such as alternate document formats or off-hour meetings, is available upon request.
• Virtual information sessions are offered to help prospective applicants understand the grant program and application process.
• Applicants can receive support from Urban Forestry to determine project and organizational eligibility before applying.