The Town of Davidson recently established a new Davidson Tree Canopy Enhancement Program. The purpose of the program is to provide funding for eligible nonprofits to enhance and promote the town’s tree canopy.
All qualified non-profits are encouraged to apply for the funds to conduct tree canopy-related activities in the community on an annual basis, beginning this year. An “eligible” or “qualified” non-profit is defined as any non-profit that can complete work directly related to the town’s tree canopy. Applications are due by August 12, 2022.
Applicants should request a specific grant amount for a project or program and must provide details about how the funding will be used. Nonprofits can apply for a multi-year grant covering up to three years. If a multi-year grant is awarded, year-end reporting conditions must be met in order to receive the following year’s grant.
After receiving grants, the town arborist (or its designee) will work with the nonprofits to further develop their ideas. Once approved by the arborist, applications will be sent to the trees and natural assets subcommittee of the town’s livability board for review and, ultimately, to the livability board for approval. The livability board will make recommendations to the town manager to approve any grants. The town manager will execute grant agreements with the nonprofits.
The town arborist will oversee the enhancement projects. There will be project outcome and financial accounting at the end to verify and communicate success.
“We’re thrilled to be able top offer this new program in Davidson. Our tree canopy is so important to the town’s identity, and we have been working hard to preserve and enhance it,” said Leslie Willis, Davidson’s Parks & Recreation Director. “These grants will help us be able to fund our local non-profits who have tree expertise in replenishing and increasing our tree canopy as well as allow the town to decrease its carbon footprint.”
Interested qualified non-profits can apply by visiting the Davidson Tree Canopy Enhancement Program webpage or completing the application here.