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Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting

Funding for community tree planting projects

Offered by
Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
Official source: greenmunicipalfund.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 10,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian municipal governments
See full eligibility

Overview

The Tree Planting funding under Growing Canada’s Community Canopies supports projects that plant and manage trees across communities in Canada. It provides up to $10 million in cumulative funding per municipality, with up to $1 million for infrastructure activity costs, for new planting projects and related planning and maintenance.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$10,000,000
Minimum funding
$50,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Reduce environmental footprint

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Canadians
Legal structures
Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Environment, Economic, Social and Community Development, Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
General public, Indigenous peoples, Rural / Remote communities, Nonprofits / charities, Community leaders, Low-income individuals / families, Minority groups
Scope
Local, Municipal, Regional, National

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Tree Planting costs guidance updated

The grant content now focuses on eligible and ineligible costs for tree planting, including pre-application expenses and reimbursement conditions.

See more

The grant content has shifted to a detailed costs section for tree planting projects, with new guidance on what can be reimbursed, what is excluded, and the conditions attached to approved expenses. It now specifies timing rules for pre-application costs, documentation expectations, and the 90-day window for certain application-preparation expenses, which may affect how applicants plan and submit costs.

Official source: greenmunicipalfund.ca
April 26, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian municipal governments
  • Municipal corporations and regional organizations delivering municipal services
  • Indigenous organizations and Indigenous communities
  • Not-for-profit organizations registered in Canada
  • For-profit organizations or private-sector entities registered in Canada

Who is not eligible

  • Federal government entities and their organizations
  • Provincial and territorial government entities and their corporations
  • Projects where tree planting is legally required
  • Projects on federally owned land

Eligible expenses

  • Tree stock, shrubs, soil, mulch, and planting materials.
  • Site preparation and planting-related labour or services.
  • Permits, approvals, and project-specific administrative costs.
  • Planting and maintenance equipment and vehicle purchases, within program limits.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects where tree planting is legally required.
  • Projects involving invasive species.
  • Projects on federally owned land.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada
  • Projects must be located within a Canadian municipality’s jurisdiction
  • Quebec municipalities must follow the MAMH approval process for pre-applications

Activities funded

  • Community-wide urban tree planting projects.
  • Forest restoration and reforestation projects.
  • Localized tree planting projects in and around population centres.
  • Projects that expand tree canopies in communities.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Readiness check
    • Complete the readiness check on the funding webpage.
  • Step 2: Contact a GMF representative
    • Discuss the project and obtain access to the pre-application form through FCM’s funding portal.
  • Step 3: Submit the pre-application
    • Create a client profile in the portal and upload the pre-application form.
  • Step 4: Eligibility review
    • GMF reviews the pre-application and confirms whether the project can proceed.
  • Step 5: Submit the full application
    • Complete the full application, workbook, and required supporting documents, then submit them through the portal.
  • Step 6: Final review and decision
    • GMF reviews the file, followed by peer review and Board of Directors approval.

Documents Needed

  • Pre-application form
  • Full application form
  • Project workbook
  • Required supporting documents
  • Project team resumes or professional bios
  • Letters of support from landowners, if applicable
  • Municipal council resolution or evidence of municipal support
  • Letters from confirmed funding sources, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Right tree for the right place and long-term survival (20%).
  • Maintenance plan (20%).
  • Project preparation (10%).
  • Engagement strategy (10%).
  • Climate resilience, socio-economic, biodiversity, and other environmental benefits (40% combined).

Processing and Agreement

  • Pre-applications are reviewed first to confirm eligibility to proceed.
  • A GMF project officer reviews the full application for accuracy and completeness.
  • External peer review and internal analysis inform the funding recommendation.
  • FCM’s Board of Directors makes the final funding decision.
  • Approved projects proceed under a funding agreement and reporting requirements.

Additional information

  • A 10% hold-back applies until the maintenance and monitoring report is submitted.
  • Urban forestry coaching is available through Tree Canada.
  • A client profile must be created in FCM’s funding portal to submit the application.
  • Some projects may be audited after completion.

Contacts

gmfinfo@fcm.ca
1-877-417-0550

Official sources

greenmunicipalfund.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting Program

What is the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting?

The Tree Planting funding under Growing Canada’s Community Canopies supports projects that plant and manage trees across communities in Canada. It provides up to $10 million in cumulative funding per municipality, with up to $1 million for infrastructure activity costs, for new planting projects and related planning and maintenance.

How much funding can be received?

Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting program?

To be eligible for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting program, you must: Tree planting project with municipal involvement New and incremental project Permanent planting and maintenance plan

What expenses are eligible under Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting?

Tree stock, shrubs, soil, mulch, and planting materials. Site preparation and planting-related labour or services. Permits, approvals, and project-specific administrative costs. Planting and maintenance equipment and vehicle purchases, within program limits.

Who can I contact for more information about the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting?

You can contact Green Municipal Fund (GMF) by email at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or by phone at 1-877-417-0550.

Where is the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting available?

The Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting program is available across Canada.

Is the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Growing Canada’s Community Canopies - Tree planting is a Grant and Funding