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.
Background
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 illustrated the inequitable distribution of trees. Tree canopy covers 20% of all land across the city, but this 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 lower 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 over 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 in tree planting, care, and programming.
Opportunity Overview
The Foundation would like to support efforts that will help to grow and sustain Philadelphia’s urban trees by planting new trees and by creating the conditions under which new and existing trees can thrive.
We are requesting proposals for one- to three-year projects. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.
Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals.
As noted, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals that meet the criteria described below are encouraged.
WPF has $5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. The grant amount requested should be commensurate with the project's contribution to the overall objective.
Philly Tree Plan Priority Areas Map
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation offer an interactive map tool that allows you to look up individual city blocks or addresses and determine whether they are within the Philly Tree Plan’s priority areas.
To access this tool, please visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0b572d8313b47e2bac75113f7e651…. Linked here is a quick reference guide on how to use the map to view the color-coded priority areas. If you have trouble loading the map on your device, try using a different browser or clearing your cookies.
We hope this tool is useful to your organization in mapping out projects that you hope to submit to WPF for funding.
Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application
Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.
All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.
Webinar
An informational webinar took place on September 24, 2024: