How to Apply
TreePlanters Grant Application FAQ
Below we have answered some frequently asked questions to help you as you complete your application for an Openlands TreePlanters Grant.
The first step is to fill out a simple form so Openlands can gather general information about your proposal.
For more information on the Openlands TreePlanters Grants or with additional questions on how to apply, please contact trees@openlands.org or call 312-863-6280.
Grants
How to Apply
Step One: Complete the Application
Who can apply for an Openlands TreePlanters Grant?
The Openlands TreePlanters Grants are for residents of the City of Chicago and surrounding communities. Community groups, volunteer organizations, local municipalities, and neighborhood associations can submit applications. For any additional eligibility questions, please contact trees@openlands.org.
Enter your address in our map to see if you live in a planting priority area.
If you are accepted, a member of the Openlands Forestry team will contact you to discuss your application and explain the next steps.
Step Two: Identify Potential Planting Locations
Before beginning their projects, grantees must accept the funds by submitting a Receipt of Funds Letter and a resolution. The resolution shows that the grantee’s elected officials approved the project and the expenditure of funds necessary for its success. Board meeting minutes are not a substitute for a resolution. Samples of both are available below.
Step 3: Recruit Volunteers
The tree planting is a community engagement and education opportunity, so we need the community to be together. Openlands will provide additional resources to help with event promotion and encourage all volunteers to register using the unique event link before the planting day.
How many volunteers are needed on planting day?
We require one volunteer per tree being planted, with all residences receiving trees being represented by someone. Volunteers will typically work in groups of four or five on planting day.
Do you have flyers and information to help spread the word about trees and planting day?
Yes! Openlands can help create a flyer to recruit tree adopters and volunteers. The flyers will include a QR code that links to our electronic “Tree Request Form” that will help us keep track of who has requested a tree.
Once we have a planting day scheduled, we need to spread the word and gather volunteers. Openlands will help publicize the planting event, but the best way to recruit volunteers is to go directly to your neighbors. You can also spread the word on social media, tagging Openlands on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
We will be ready for planting day once you have completed all three steps. On planting day, Openlands and our trained TreeKeepers will assist volunteers with planting trees.
For more information on the Openlands TreePlanters Grants or with additional questions on how to apply, please contact trees@openlands.org or call 312-863-6280.
Media & Public Recognition
During the grant period, award recipients will agree to participate in press conferences or events, to be quoted in ComEd literature describing the ComEd Green Region Grant, and to identify ComEd as a funder in any materials produced to explain or promote the funded project.
