A Tree For Everyone Grant Fund
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard has opened a new Grant Fund to support his ambition to plant 1.4 million trees across South Yorkshire.
A Tree For Everyone Grant Fund is for people in South Yorkshire who would like to plant trees here, on land where planting rights are secured, and where the trees will provide a public benefit and enhance environmental sustainability. In contrast to the Free Trees for Communities scheme which is only open to community groups and provides packs of 50 trees. The Grant Fund is open to everyone in South Yorkshire, and can offer a more flexible number of trees, as well as equipment, surveys or other professional support, provided applicants meet the criteria.
A total of £50,000 has been allocated for this fund. Grants will be awarded in amounts of between £250 to £2,500.
The Grant Fund was launched on 24 January 2025.
Eligibility criteria
- Who Can Apply: Individuals or organisations that serve the community, with the legal right to plant trees on a specified property.
- Location: All tree-planting projects must be carried out within South Yorkshire.
- Age Requirement: The lead contact on each application must be over 18 years old.
- Verification: Applicants must confirm they have the right to plant trees on the property.
Funding rounds for tree planting projects
Round 1
The fund will be open to applications from 24 January until 21 February 2025. This round will only be suitable for projects that intend to plant trees or develop tree planting initiatives in this tree planting season and all funds must be used by 31 March 2025.
Round 2
Projects that intend to invest in tree planting over the next 12 months and complete by March 2026 will be encouraged to submit applications in the subsequent round of funding. The longer timeline provides an opportunity for new groups or groups new to tree planting in priority areas, to be supported in developing a project from start to finish.
The support would be responsive to the needs of the applicants but could include peer support or training on tree planting and aftercare. Round 2 of applications is expected to open from May to June 2025.
Applications will be taken using an online form that can be accessed using the link below. Full support will be provided in completing the form by the Fund Administrators, South Yorkshire's Community Foundation.
Administration of the Grant Fund
The Grant Fund is being managed on South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s behalf by South Yorkshire's Community Foundation (SYCF). In 2023, SYCF awarded £1.8 million in grants to 410 community groups across South Yorkshire, impacting over 25,000 individuals.
A key focus of SYCF is to engage and assist community members who often lack representation in traditional funding applications and a range of activities. This encompasses individuals such as those from different ethnic minority backgrounds, residents with limited social and economic opportunities, and those with disabilities. SYCF will provide signposting to other organisations for advice and alternative funding sources where appropriate.
If you would like more support to make an application, please contact our colleagues at South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB) who will be happy to help you:
- SYFAB telephone: 0114 261 5141
- Or visit the SYFAB website for more contact options.
Any queries about the Grant Fund or eligibility should be directed to South Yorkshire's Community Foundation:
More about the Mayor and his tree planting campaign