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LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with funding provided by the DTE Foundation and in partnership with ReLeaf Michigan, is offering grant support for community tree planting projects across the state, with up to $95,000 is available through the DTE Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program.
The DNR is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle. Applications must be submitted through DNR MiGrants by Sept. 14. The program provides up to $4,000 per applicant in financial assistance to communities served by DTE Energy's electric and natural gas services. Grants are available to support projects that plant trees away from utility lines along streets, in parks and near schools -- all of which can help to mitigate climate change, enhance local beauty and engage residents in environmental stewardship.
Since 1996, this grant program has been a joint effort between the DTE Foundation and the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry program to improve communities and the environment through tree planting. ReLeaf Michigan, the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to tree planting and homeowner education, joined the program to provide technical support to grantees and help ensure successful and sustainable tree planting efforts.
"Every tree planted represents an investment in the future of a community," said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. "Together with our partners and local residents, we're helping create greener, more beautiful neighborhoods while building spaces where people can gather, connect and grow.
"We're proud to support this work alongside dedicated partners like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan, whose efforts continue to strengthen our communities and protect the environment for future generations."
Grant awards will be announced in late October. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2027.
To learn more and apply for a tree planting grant, go online to Michigan.gov/UCF. Don't forget to pin each tree planted on the Michigan DNR's MiTrees page to help the DNR reach a goal of 50 million trees planted by 2030.