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$100,000 available for community tree planting projects; apply by Oct. 25

Interested in using trees to make your community more beautiful, climate-friendly and pleasant for people and wildlife? The DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant program can help!

Proposals for community-based tree planting projects are now being accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the 2024-25 DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting grant program.

The program provides financial and technical assistance to communities throughout the state that are served by DTE Electric and/or Gas. This support helps partners with planting projects that engage residents, help moderate the effects of climate change, beautify communities and add benefits from trees planted along streets, parks and schools and away from utility lines.

Beginning in 1996, the grant program was initiated through a partnership between the DTE Energy Foundation and the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program to improve communities and the environment through tree planting. With the addition of the statewide nonprofit partner ReLeaf Michigan, the program also offers project coordination and technical and educational assistance to applicants and grantees to help ensure a legacy of successful tree plantings.

“A priority for the DTE Energy Foundation is preserving Michigan’s beauty and wildlife, which is dependent on maintaining our trees and forests,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “Preservation is made possible through the great works of our partners like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan. Both have made a substantial and long-lasting impact on our natural resources.”

  • A total of $100,000 is available this year. Applicants may seek individual grants of up to $4,000 with a 1-to-1 matching requirement.
  • Applications are due Oct. 25.
  • Grant awards will be announced in December, and projects must be completed by Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

Learn more about urban and community forestry and tree planting grants at Michigan.gov/UCF.

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2023, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $16 million in grant support to nearly 300 nonprofits where the company has a business presence with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in key areas like jobs, equity, human needs and the environment. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in the communities across Michigan. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.