Sacramento, CA – California ReLeaf announced today that funding is available to community-based groups throughout California for urban forestry projects. The program is funded through a contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

Eligible applicants include incorporated nonprofit organizations and unincorporated community-based groups, with a financial sponsor, located in California. Individual funding requests range from $1,000 to $7,500. Applicants may submit only one proposal. Grants are for the costs associated with carrying out a tree care or education/outreach project.

“ReLeaf is proud to be an integral part of building community through urban forestry in California,” said Executive Director Joe Liszewski. “Since 1992, we have invested more than $2.8 million in urban forestry efforts geared towards greening our Golden State.”

California ReLeaf’s mission is to empower grassroots efforts and build strategic partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban and community forests. Working statewide, we promote alliances among community-based groups, individuals, industry, and government agencies, encouraging each to contribute to the livability of our cities and the protection of our environment by planting and caring for trees.

Proposals must be postmarked by July 15th, 2011. Grant recipients will have until February 17th, 2012 to complete their project. The guidelines and application are available online at www.californiareleaf.org. For questions, or to request a hard copy, please contact California ReLeaf’s grants program manager at cmills@californiareleaf.org, or call (916) 497-0035.