Welcome to Friends of Tree Equity Illinois

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Why trees?

We think trees are great and you should too!

What makes trees so great? Well, it is a long list. Trees can protect your community from extreme heat, reduce violence, increase property values, and much more.

How do we do this?

Good question! We've put together some resources to help guide you and your community and help make your ideas become a reality.

In other words, these resources will help your ideas sprout, bloom, and grow. Take a look!

How do we pay for this?

You are right. money doesn't grow on trees. We do need financial support to plant trees at a meaningful scale.

But there are many resources available to take advance of. We've compiled a list of funding sources to help with your project.

Tree stories

If you're wondering about what a completed project looks like, check out some of the finished work.

Projects of all shapes and sizes are possible - draw inspiration for your community from those who have gone before you.

Learn How to Access IRA Funds for Tree Equity! Friends for Tree Equity, Illinois, presents a webinar explaining the value and importance of trees and showcasing three Illinois organizations who, with the help of the Inflation Reduction Act, are ready to provide education, funding and logistical expertise to enhance urban ...

March 16, 2024

What is a tree equity score?

The story is the same in nearly every city across the United States. With few ...

March 15, 2024

The global tree equity movement is growing!

The global Tree Equity movement is growing!
Since 2021, American Forests’ Tree Equity Score has ...

News

January 24, 2025

January 2025 Funding Awards from Morton Arboretum

LISLE, Ill. (Jan. 14, 2025)—The Morton Arboretum announced Tuesday it has collectively awarded $7.9 million in federal urban and community forestry funding to 39 Illinois organizations—ranging from government entities and community groups to higher education ...

January 23, 2025

February 2025 U of I Extension Forestry Events

Registration open for two upcoming forestry webinars The University of Illinois Extension Forestry program has two webinars upcoming in our Beginning Forest Landowner Program. These webinars are free and open to the public. Online Resources ...

October 2, 2024

American Forest Catalyst Fund

Request for Proposals: Fall 2024 American Forests is supporting more Tree Equity leaders on the ground through our current funding opportunity open to faith-based and frontline environmental justice organizations! Over $12 million is available for projects in equitable urban forestry planning, planting and care, coalition building, ...

October 2, 2024

Faith in Place Tree Canopy & Workforce Community Grant

You’re Invited to Apply for up to $30,000 to Plant Trees at Your House of Worship or Community Organization! Learn more about the opportunity through Invitation for Applications. Start Your Application About the Opportunity Download ...

March 17, 2024

Chicago Region Trees Initiative Grants Hub

Funding Opportunities
Chicago Region Trees Initiatives CTI) maintains a hub with grants that can help you plant and care for trees, expand your municipal or nonprofit environmental programs, tackle invasive species in your community, plant ...