$4.5 Million in Grants Available for Tree Plantings at New Jersey Schools

DEP, TCNJ, and Sustainable Jersey Partner to Expand Green Spaces in Educational Institutions

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Sustainable Jersey, has announced the availability of $4.5 million in grants to support tree plantings in public school districts, county colleges, and state colleges and universities across New Jersey through the Trees for Schools grant program.

The program offers competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 to fund the planting of trees and associated costs such as site preparation, tree purchases, watering, monitoring, and maintenance over a three-year period. Schools located in overburdened communities—which often face challenges related to limited green space and air quality concerns—are encouraged to apply to expand their tree canopy.

Application Details and Deadlines

• Schools interested in applying can review the grant application and submit proposals at bit.ly/TreesforSchools.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by May 13, 2025, for spring 2026 plantings.
• Eligibility: Schools that have previously received a Trees for Schools grant are ineligible for this round of funding.
• Informational Webinar: An online session explaining the application process and program details will be held on Wednesday, March 19. Interested participants can register online.

Program’s Impact on New Jersey Schools

Since its launch in 2023, the Trees for Schools initiative has helped plant nearly 3,000 trees at 33 educational institutions across the state. The program is funded through New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)—a multi-state program that caps carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power plants. Proceeds from RGGI cap auctions fund various environmental initiatives, including tree-planting efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.

“The Trees for Schools plantings beautify school grounds and expand tree canopies to provide shade on hot days, filter the air, soak up stormwater, and reduce greenhouse gases that drive climate change,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We encourage schools to apply, not only to enhance their campus, but inspire their students to cherish and protect one of our most valuable resources.”

Examples of Previous Grant Recipients

• Manasquan Public School District partnered with the Manasquan Shade Tree Commission to plant 178 trees across school campuses.
• Philip’s Academy Charter School in Newark planted 31 shade trees along key city streets leading to the school, providing environmental benefits and much-needed shade for the community.

By expanding tree cover in school districts, the Trees for Schools program aims to enhance air quality, reduce urban heat, and provide educational opportunities for students to engage with environmental stewardship.

For further details, applicants can visit the Trees for Schools website or attend the upcoming informational webinar.