MARQUETTE — 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.