Community tree planting grant applications now available through DNR, DTE Energy Foundation

LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the DTE Energy Foundation today announced that applications for the 2013 DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting grant program are now available. This program is funded by the DTE Energy Foundation and administered by the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.

"These grants help increase the number of properly planted trees in our communities," said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) program coordinator. "Trees improve both the environment and quality of life in the neighborhoods where they grow."

Eligible applicants include local units of government, nonprofit organizations, tribes and schools that:

• are located within the service territory of DTE Energy’s utility subsidiaries Detroit Edison and MichCon; and   

• have not received a grant during the previous year’s DTE Energy Foundation grant cycle.

Projects that are eligible include tree planting activities on public lands such as parks, rights of way, arboretum areas and school grounds plantings. A total of $60,000 is available in matching grants of up to $3,000, each to be awarded on a competitive basis. All grants require a 1-to-1 match, which can be made up of cash contributions or in-kind services, but may not include federal or state funds.

Grant applications must be received by Jan. 31, 2013, at the address below. Award announcements are anticipated during March for projects that must be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.

For more information or to get a grant application, visit the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry website at www.michigan.gov/ucf or contact Kevin Sayers at 517-241-4632, via email at sayersk@michigan.gov or by mail at P.O. Box 30452 Lansing, MI 48909.