The Trees for Schools program, administered by the Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey (SI@TCNJ) and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) using Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds, provides $4.5 million in grants to New Jersey public school districts, colleges, and universities. The purpose of the program is to support tree planting on school grounds and campuses to combat climate change, enhance local environments, and provide educational opportunities.

Eligible applicants include public school districts, public charter schools, community colleges, state colleges, and state universities in New Jersey. Organizations with an open Trees for Schools grant from a previous cycle are not eligible. Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $250,000, and no matching funds are required. Funds may be used for trees, site preparation, equipment, supplies, and limited personnel and overhead costs. This is a cost-reimbursement grant where payments are made after approval of financial reports upon milestone completions.

Applications are due by May 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM via the online portal. An informational webinar will be held on March 19, 2025, and a recording will be made available afterward. Grant awards will be announced by July 14, 2025. After award notification, grantees must complete a detailed planting plan by November 12, 2025, with final planting to occur by Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 if delayed. Projects must be maintained for two years post-planting, with a final report due by September 15, 2028.

Special priority will be given to projects located in Overburdened Communities as defined by New Jersey law, with 40% of the funding ($1.8 million) reserved for such projects. Points are awarded in the evaluation process for carbon sequestration potential, cost-effectiveness, location in Overburdened Communities, co-benefits, project quality, tree maintenance plans, institutional support, and student involvement.

For technical questions about the online portal, applicants can contact Kaitlyn Vollmer at grants@SustainableJersey.com or call 609-771-3189. For content-specific questions, applicants should reach out to Melanie McDermott at mcdermom@tcnj.edu or call 609-771-2836.