In 2018, KCIC committed to being a Tree Champion as part of the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Master Tree Plan. As part of this commitment and in partnership with Bridging The Gap’s Heartland Tree Alliance (HTA) program, KCIC has designated $3,000 in 2019 to create a tree planting matching grant program for our members.
Why Trees?
Trees in KCMO provide over $28 million in benefits and services to residents and businesses each year – some of which for businesses include reduced cooling costs (trees shade buildings), employees who are calmer and happier, increased pulmonary health for employees, higher real estate values, and assistance with stormwater management (trees soak up rainwater).
Kansas City’s industrial areas hold a lot of potential for increased canopy and the resulting economic, environmental and social benefits. According to a study of KC’s urban tree canopy, the Blue Valley Industrial District has 17% tree canopy with a maximum potential canopy of 55%. The Northeast Industrial District has 13% tree canopy with a potential of 33%.
Planting on private lands is key to increasing the city’s overall tree canopy – typically 80 to 90 percent of land within a city is privately owned.
How The Grant Works
Six member businesses — one from each of the six industrial district areas — will receive a $500 matching grant to plant up to four trees on private land at their business.
Each business will receive:
- Assistance in site evaluation and tree species selection
- A 1-hour tree-planting “mini” workday for employees with instruction by HTA staff on proper tree planting techniques, all tools and mulch provided. (HTA will procure trees and transport to site.)
- Watering bag
- Signage identifying your business as a Tree Champion Business
Each business must provide:
- $500 match toward the purchase of trees
Combined with KCIC’s $500 grant, the total project budget is $1,000.
- A commitment to water trees for three years. See recommended watering schedule below
- Employees for the tree-planting workday (10-12 people recommended)
This is an excellent opportunity to engage your employees while helping to beautify our industrial districts and contribute to maintaining our city’s tree canopy!
Grant timeline:
–Applications accepted through March 15, 2019
–Grant awardees notified by late March
–Tree planting workdays scheduled for April/May (or fall 2019 as needed)
How To Apply
Complete and submit the form by March 15, 2019. Grants will be awarded to the first qualified applicant in each district.