California ReLeaf is pleased to announce $60,000 in funding for 2021 California Arbor Week to celebrate the value of trees for all Californians. This program is brought to you thanks to the partnership of Edison International and San Diego Gas & Electric.
Arbor Week celebrations are wonderful community engagement and education events about the importance of trees in promoting community health and combating climate change. Historically, they have provided a great opportunity to engage a wide range of volunteers. 2021 will look different due to COVID-19. We do not expect large gatherings of people this year, but invite those who wish to host a small tree planting project in their communities to apply. This can include distanced plantings, online engagement, or other COVID-safe activities.
If you are interested in receiving a stipend to celebrate California Arbor Week, please review the criteria and details below and submit an application here. Priority review of the grants began February 23, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis through March.
- Stipends will range from $1,000 – $3,000, with a minimum of 5 trees per $1,000.
- 50% of the stipend will be paid upon Award Announcement, with the remaining 50% upon receipt and approval of your final report.
- Priority will be given to disadvantaged or low-income communities, as well as communities that have not had recent access to urban forestry funding.
- In lieu of in-person workshops, we’re hosting Zoom office hours this year to meet with prospective applicants (see below).
- An informational webinar will be hosted for awarded grantees on March 3rd to provide information about tree planting and tree care, and COVID-safe events. (Recording will be available for those who are unable to attend).
- Projects must occur by October 17, 2021.
- Final Report is due October 29, 2021. Final report questions will be sent to grantees upon awarding of the stipend.
- Urban forest nonprofits. Or community-based organizations who do tree planting, tree care education, or are interested in adding this to their projects/programs.
- Must be a 501c3 or obtain a fiscal sponsor.
- Events must occur within the service areas of the sponsoring utilities Southern California Edison (Map) and SDGE (all of SD County, and part of Orange County).
- Projects must be able to be completed during the pandemic. You are welcome to wait until the fall in hopes that some restrictions will be lifted, but please have a plan B for a pandemic-friendly event.
Questions about California ReLeaf, your project idea, or the application process? Stop into our virtual office hours to meet our team and get your questions answered: Feb 16th (11:30am-12:30pm) or Feb 22 (3-4pm) (click dates to register). Or, email Sarah at sdillon@californiareleaf.org.
Sponsor Engagement & Recognition
- You will be expected to engage with your sponsoring utility in order to coordinate California Arbor Week publicity as well as to offer volunteer opportunities for your utility sponsor’s personnel.
- You will be expected to recognize your utility sponsor’s contribution by:
- Posting their logo on your website
- including their logo in your Arbor Week social media
- offering them time to speak briefly at your celebration event
- thanking them during your celebration event.
