Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program

Who is eligible?

• Student Councils
• Parent Councils
• Environmental or garden clubs
• Other groups or individuals committed to tree planting projects in partnership with schools

Who is not eligible

• Businesses or organizations requesting funding for projects already completed.
• Groups seeking funding for non-tree related elements such as benches, gazebos, play structures, ponds, pathways, fencing, signage, planters, site preparation, cedar hedges, shrubs, perennials, grasses, or other ground covers.
• Groups seeking funding for tree planting projects outside school properties within the City of Ottawa.
• Organizations looking to receive tree planting funding from other City of Ottawa grant programs in the same year.

Eligible expenses

• Purchase of trees
• Installation of trees

Eligible geographic areas

• School properties within the City of Ottawa.

• Completion of a site visit with a City representative as part of the grant review process.
• Demonstrated commitment to project coordination and tree maintenance activities by the applicant.
• Submission of all required documentation, including receipts and a final project report by specified deadlines.
• Priority given to groups who have not previously received funding through this program.

• Step 1: Prepare and Submit Application
  • Complete the application form for the Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program.
  • Submit the application to the City of Ottawa by June 1 of the application year.
• Step 2: Application Review and Site Visit
  • The City reviews the submitted application.
  • Arrange and participate in a site visit with a City representative, to be completed between June 1 and December 1 of the application year.
• Step 3: Final Approvals
  • Obtain final approval from the property owner by February 1 of the following year.
  • Receive final project approval from the City by March 1 of the following year.
• Step 4: Project Implementation
  • Carry out the tree planting project according to the approved plan.
  • Submit receipts for all expenditures related to tree purchase and installation within three months of expenditure.
• Step 5: Project Completion and Reporting
  • Ensure proper care and maintenance of the planted trees during the establishment period.
  • Prepare and submit a final project report by May 1 of the year following installation. The report must include the number of trees planted, an evaluation of the tree maintenance program, and photographs of the new plantings.
  • Acknowledge the City's financial support in all project-related communications and promotional materials.

• Applications must be received by June 1 for consideration, with site visits required between June 1 and December 1 of the application year.
• A maximum grant of $10,000 is available per year, and grants may be provided in funds or as trees supplied and planted by the City.
• Receipts for expenditures must be submitted within three months of project completion.
• A final report with tree counts, maintenance evaluation, and photographs must be submitted by May 1 in the year following installation.