Grants of up to $3,000 to Colorado state and local governments, nonprofit, community, and neighborhood organizations, and school districts in the funding source's service area for projects to support community forests. Projects must have an educational component. Eligible applicants are located in the Xcel Energy service area.

Project Types:

• Management/Maintenance Grants can include tree inventories, canopy assessments, management plans, maintenance projects, and related activities. Examples:
  
• Structural pruning of small trees along a main street.
• Implementing an insect control program.
• Developing a community tree care plan.
• Exploring and setting goals for tree canopy equity.
• Media Grants can include public relations activities, social media campaigns, literature or video development or dispersal, and educational programs. Examples:
• Develop or distribute a video on proper tree planting, maintenance, and watering.
• Create and install interpretive signs for an arboretum or community garden.
• Develop a program for your community promoting tree diversity and drought tolerant tree planting.
• Host a workshop for community members and/or elected officials on the health benefits of tree canopy.
• Tree Planting Grants can include street, arboretum, school, or park tree planting projects. These grants should emphasize a diverse species palette and proper planting techniques. Examples:
• Highlight new tree varieties by planting them in your arboretum.
• Plant new trees at a school and involve students in their planting and care.
• Engage residents to replant street trees in an older neighborhood that has lost many trees.
• Plant new trees in a neighborhood that has not historically benefitted from the health, economic, and other benefits of trees and tree canopy.

Additional points in the evaluation process will be awarded to projects:

1. In a community with a population smaller than 8,000 people.
   
2. In a community that is currently or in the process of being recognized as a Tree City or Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
3. That are community-driven and center equity. Specifically, to projects being led by a community-based organization primarily serving people of color and/or low-income residents and/or that clearly advance tree canopy equity.
4. That already have tree inventory data or will produce data that will be uploaded to www.cotreeview.com, the statewide tree inventory.

Eligible projects are tree-related projects that promote, enhance, and/or renew community forests. All projects should include an educational component and promote correct tree planting, care, and maintenance. In general, projects must be on public property, but projects on private property that provide public benefit and/or access are acceptable.

Eligible Expenses are tree-related only.