Boston Tree Alliance Releases First Round of Funding

When the Boston Tree Alliance kicked off in May of 2023 at the Boston Nature Center, their goal was to provide funding and technical support to community-based organizations for tree planting and care on privately-owned land. That vision is one step closer to becoming a reality.  

The coalition of nonprofits, community-based organizations, and urban forestry professionals led by Mass Audubon has met monthly and informed a process for awarding funds. By April, there were five groups selected to receive the first round of funding to plant more than 170 trees on private land in the City of Boston this spring. The $116,000 was distributed to Boston Food Forest Coalition, South Boston NDC, Speak for the Trees, Tree Eastie, and WE Tree Boston. 

The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the City of Boston. Mass Audubon is contracted with the City to release funding and administer the program to advance the goals of Boston’s Urban Forest Plan and Heat Plan, with a focus on expanding access to trees and their benefits in under-canopied, environmental justice communities in Boston.  

About the Recipients 

Boston Food Forest Coalition 

Boston Food Forest Coalition (BFFC), a nonprofit Community Land Trust, transforms vacant lots into edible food forests through community-driven processes. BFFC will use the funding to purchase and plant trees in a new food forest in Roxbury, a space for neighbors and community members to gather and steward. 

South Boston NDC 

South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (South Boston NDC) seeks to address issues that affect resident health in South Boston. With funds from the Boston Tree Alliance, South Boston NDC will increase community residents’ access to trees and their benefits by planting trees on affordable housing properties. 

Speak for the Trees 

Speak for the Trees’ mission is to increase the size, health, and equity of Boston’s urban forest, with a focus on underserved and under-canopied neighborhoods. The nonprofit will use funds from the Boston Tree Alliance to plant trees on private land across the City by connecting with individuals who have requested trees. 

Tree Eastie 

Tree Eastie, a nonprofit community based urban forestry program based in East Boston, has goals ranging from tree planting and maintenance to resident education. With funds from the Boston Tree Alliance, Tree Eastie will expand upon their yard tree planting program by connecting with private landowners in East Boston. 

WE Tree Boston 

WE Tree Boston focuses on tree education, planting, and maintenance that aims to make the West End 'greener' one tree at a time. The nonprofit urban forestry program will use Boston Tree Alliance funds to plant trees in the West End with private landowners. 

Funding for 2025

Funding for subsequent planting seasons for 2025 will be made available in future application rounds. Please reach out to The Boston Tree Alliance team with any questions and details on how to apply.  

Contact the Boston Tree Alliance