Neighbourhood Planting Program

Who is eligible?

• Grassroots, community-based not-for-profit groups or organizations, incorporated or unincorporated, based in Toronto
• Groups requesting financial assistance that are incorporated or unincorporated and work with a trustee organization

Who is not eligible

• Groups outside the City of Toronto
• Groups without a trustee organization when requesting funding

Eligible expenses

• Permit fees or rental fees for event location
• Mulch
• Promotional materials such as flyers, posters, and signage
• Health and safety materials for volunteers such as first aid kit, hand sanitizer, high visibility vests, and gloves
• Event registration platform fee

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Core operating funding or costs related to ongoing programs/services
• Internal or external salaries or other people-costs
• Overhead and administrative costs
• Taxes, including GST and HST for which the recipient is eligible for a tax rebate
• Contingency costs, capital costs, land purchases, political activities, religious activities/services, advocacy expenses, research projects, fundraising activities, endowments, scholarships, awards, and alcohol purchases

• Applications will be evaluated based on concept, feasibility, impact, and budget, if applicable.
• Additional assessment considerations may include geographic representation across the City of Toronto, locations with low canopy cover or a high need for tree planting and/or stewardship, community impact and equity impacts, and the total availability of plants and financial assistance based on seasonal allotments.

• Applications must be submitted online through the Toronto Grants, Rebate, and Incentives Portal (TGRIP).
• Applicants should allow time to create an account and organizational profile in TGRIP if they have not done so already.
• For planting events, groups must contact forestrygrants@toronto.ca prior to submitting an application.
• For tree giveaway events, groups are responsible for pre-registering participants and allowing adequate time to do so.
• If requesting financial assistance, applicants must provide an event budget outlining all expenses.

• Applications are reviewed and assessed by City of Toronto staff.
• All applicants are notified of the decision.
• Successful applicants receive an order form for available native trees and shrubs, which must be completed and returned at least two weeks before the event.
• Groups must submit a final report through the Toronto Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal one month after the event date.

• Applications for the Neighbourhood Planting Program are open until July 9, 2026.
• There are two application periods each year: January for spring events and June for fall events.
• Applications must be submitted through the Toronto Grants, Rebates and Incentives Portal.
• Groups interested in hosting a planting event must contact forestrygrants@toronto.ca prior to submitting an application.