The 2025 Community Tree Planting Grants (CTPG) program offers funding for tree planting projects in high-priority areas across Vermont to enhance urban tree canopies, manage stormwater, and improve public health. Administered by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission in collaboration with the Vermont Urban and Community Forest Program, the grants range from $5,000 to $75,000 with no cost-share requirement. Technical support is available for applicants and awardees. The second round of applications is open until January 10, 2025, with projects to be completed by July 31, 2026.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, regional planning commissions (acting as agents for member municipalities), registered non-profits, and public educational institutions. Applicants must be registered with SAM.gov, have a unique entity identification number (UEI), and meet the insurance requirements outlined in the Application Guide. Projects must involve tree planting on public properties, state highway rights-of-way (with the appropriate permit), public educational institutions, non-profit-owned properties, or private properties with approved agreements.

Grant funds can be used for tree costs, delivery, planting preparation, staff salaries (up to 10% for administration), tree care supplies, and public engagement (up to 5% of the budget). Ineligible expenses include planting on municipal forestland or state-owned transportation property. The Vermont Urban and Community Forest Program provides technical assistance on project design, tree species selection, soil assessment, and other areas.

Key dates for Round 2 include the application deadline of January 10, 2025, with grant awards announced in February 2025 and project contracts finalized by March 2025. Projects must close out by July 2026, with no extensions available. For more information, applicants can access program guides and application materials or coordinate with regional planning commissions for support.