If an application has already been started in response to this RFP, please visit the Proposals in Progress section in the Grants Portal to view and/or continue the application process.
Why is the William Penn Foundation (WPF) prioritizing this objective?
Healthy trees make a significant contribution to the quality of life of Philadelphia residents. Trees provide protection from heat, reduce air pollution, improve physical and mental health, and are an important asset for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. Given these benefits, it is especially unfortunate that trees are not equitably distributed across the city, and that the urban forest is threatened by development, inadequate maintenance, and the effects of climate change.
A comprehensive assessment of Philadelphia’s tree canopy conducted in 2018 found that 6% of the city’s tree canopy (the part of the land that is covered by tree leaves and branches from a bird’s-eye view) was lost over the last decade. The assessment also illustrates the inequitable distribution of trees. Tree canopy covers 20% of all land across the city, but it ranges from less than 5% in some areas to more than 45% in others. Areas with fewer trees and less tree canopy tend to be lower-income and Black and Brown-majority neighborhoods that are also beset by other inequities. The quality-of life implications can be profound, as these areas often experience higher temperatures – sometimes up to a 22-degree disparity – and have worse physical and mental health outcomes.
In response to these findings, the City launched a process to develop its first-ever strategic plan to make tree coverage more robust, equitable, and sustainable. Released in 2023 and informed by input from more than 9,000 residents, the Philly Tree Plan established a 10-year strategy for the equitable growth and care of Philadelphia’s urban forest. Based on key environmental and socioeconomic factors, the Philly Tree Plan identified seven priority areas where an increase in tree canopy can provide the most benefit and recommends prioritizing these areas for investments to grow and care for the urban forest. WPF is releasing this RFP to help advance that plan.
What types of projects will get funded?
WPF seeks to support projects that contribute to increasing the number of trees in the priority areas of the Philly Tree Plan. Priorities include portions of West, Northwest, North, Kensington/Harrowgate, Northeast, South, and Southwest Philadelphia. Proposals may have a small geographic focus or seek to make change citywide, provided they demonstrate impact in one or more of the Philly Tree Plan priority areas. All proposals should align to one or more of the Philly Tree Plan sub-goals.
To identify the Philly Tree Plan’s priority areas, please use this map.
All proposals that will improve the number of trees in areas labeled as highest, very high, high, or moderate priorities and address all of the factors described under the “Proposal Review” section below are encouraged.
The Foundation recognizes that multiple strategies or tactics can contribute to increasing the number of trees in Philadelphia by 2035, and we welcome a wide range of approaches in response to this RFP. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Plant trees and provide establishment care, including along streets and in parks and private yards;
- Expand the number of trees planted or cared for through workforce development and volunteer engagement;
- Build community trust, awareness, and demand for trees through strategic communications or resident engagement;
- Resolve barriers to planting - such as hazardous tree removal, stump grinding, sidewalk repairs, or pre-screening sites to reduce denied tree requests - and follow through to register residents for trees or build interest in planting;
- Advocate for policy or funding changes to increase tree planting and care citywide, with significant impact in priority areas.
While this RFP invites proposals that support additional activities connected to tree planting, as these examples indicate, all proposals should articulate a clear connection between the proposed activities and the Foundation’s objective of adding 35,000 trees in priority areas of the Philly Tree Plan by 2035.
What has to be in my proposal?
We are requesting proposals for up to three years of funding. Proposals should align to one or more of the Philly Tree Plan sub-goals. In describing the proposed work, all submitted proposals should, as applicable:
- Identify the priority area(s) where the proposed work will take place or have an impact. Please specify the neighborhood(s) and/or include a map showing the anticipated project location(s).
- Articulate how the proposed work seeks to advance or complement one or more specific sub-goal(s) of the Philly Tree Plan;
- Accurately estimate (to the maximum extent possible) the number of trees that will be planted;
- For proposed work that does not directly plant trees — such as community engagement, communications, or removal of barriers to planting — articulate measurable goals that connect the work proposed to an increase in the number of trees by 2035.
All proposals that include the elements described above and meet the criteria described in the “Proposal Review” section are encouraged.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that the work necessary to make significant progress on the objective will be complex and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise.
How much money is available?
Proposals in the range of $25,000 to $900,000 will be most competitive. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the contribution that the project will make to the overall objective.
WPF has allocated up to $3.2 million to advance this objective at this time.
Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application
Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and insights, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
Interested organizations are invited to participate in an optional informational webinar on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 1:00PM ET.
Following the live webinar, a recording will be posted to this page.