International Tree Foundation

International Tree Foundation is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1106269).

International Tree Foundation exists to plant, protect and promote the silent work that trees do to help us all. One hundred years ago, an environmentalist had a vision of equipping communities to plant trees that protect the planet and transform their landscapes and lives. Its work in Africa and the UK supports local community groups to plant trees and restore forests, and Community Tree Planting is at the heart of its UK work.

Priority Areas

International Tree Foundation’s grant programme supports community projects in the UK that plant trees and create or conserve woodlands, forests, habitats and associated biodiversity. Eligible applicants are community-based organisations or those with a social benefit, including schools, community groups, social enterprises, non-governmental organisations and parish councils. Projects are expected to plant indigenous trees in public or publicly accessible spaces, engage community members and have clear plans for maintenance and sustainability. The foundation’s approach is community-led: local people shape which trees are planted and where, while projects bring environmental and human wellbeing together. It can provide financial support, trees and expert advice for community tree-planting projects.

Themes

• Tree planting
• Forest restoration
• Biodiversity
• Community engagement
• Sustainable livelihoods

Geographic Focus

UK.

Applicants log in or register on the grant application portal to get started.

Deadlines: Annual grant round.

Who can apply:

• UK Community Tree Planting Programme
  • Your organisation must be community-based and/or have a social benefit e.g. a school, community group, social enterprise, non-governmental organisation, parish council, etc.
  • You must have a bank account in the name of the applicant organisation
  • You must have signed permission from the owner or manager of the land indicating that the project meets all legal requirements

What the charity says:

• Projects should plant indigenous tree species, with traditional fruit trees and honorary natives included where appropriate.
• Projects should engage community members in tree planting and enjoying woodland benefits.
• The foundation is interested in projects engaging children and young adults, vulnerable groups, and groups with low access to woodlands.
• The foundation is interested in projects creating biodiversity habitat and conserving soil and water.
• The foundation welcomes new approaches such as agroforestry, as well as rewilding and natural regeneration.
• The foundation seeks to make its grant programmes accessible to new and smaller organisations with limited funding experience.
• Grantees are expected to provide accurate progress information and be open about challenges.