NASHVILLE – A funding opportunity from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) provides financial assistance to communities to expand tree canopy coverage and support sustainable urban ecosystems statewide.

“Our Urban and Community Forestry Program partners with Tennessee’s communities, helping them enhance the well-being of residents by cultivating and sustaining healthy urban and community forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “One way we do that is through financial assistance that expands access to the benefits trees provide, including stormwater mitigation, cleaner air and reduced heat.”

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Community Tree Planting Program grant is funded by the state of Tennessee. This grant’s goal is to increase tree canopy cover in urban and suburban areas. Eligible expenses include trees and shipping costs, contracted planting, mulch, irrigation devices, tree labels and signage. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits and public educational institutions. Awards range from $500 to $20,000.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Central time on Sept. 4, 2026, at Tennessee Urban and Community Forestry Program https://tnforestry.submittable.com/submit

For proposal assistance, contact Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Ashley Kite-Rowland at Ashley.Kite-Rowland@tn.gov.