Branching Out

A community grant program to plant trees and improve energy efficiency in Iowa

Branching Out is a nationally-recognized grant program where Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and your community work together to fund and implement tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and community stewardship in Iowa. Since the start of the Branching Out program in 1989, more than 1.1 million trees and seedlings have been planted as part of 2,188 Iowa projects by a volunteer force of 111,117 people. Environmentally, the trees planted represent a kilowatt hour savings of 13,918,553 – or enough energy to power more than 1,700 average-size residential homes for one year.

Trees make a community beautiful. Apply for a Branching Out grant today!

Download the Branching Out application [PDF]

Branching Out by the numbers

Spring 2008 Branching Out grant recipients [PDF]

Eligibility

Branching Out is offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of between $500 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects – like parks, gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools and more. Trees Forever administers and facilitates the program, providing educational and planning support.

How to apply

To apply for a Branching Out grant, complete an application form and submit a site plan and proposal letter that addresses ten key areas (see program guidelines on the application).

The process is competitive and preference is given to applicants that meet all guidelines.

Grant cycle and deadlines

Grants are awarded two times per year, to coincide with the spring and fall planting seasons. Proposal letters and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered only in the next grant-making cycle (spring or fall). Your community may apply and receive funding for multiple projects in a single grant cycle.

Grant Cycle	Request Deadline	Grants Announced	Funding Awarded
Spring	November 1	January 15	February 1-15
Fall	June 1	August 15	September 1-15

Send completed applications, proposal letters and site plans to:

Trees Forever
c/o Branching Out
770 7^th Avenue
Marion, Iowa 52302

The Trees Forever staff is available to help you complete applications, develop a planting project, and plan a planting event. If you have questions, please call 1-800-369-1269, ext. 10.

Apply today! We look forward to working with you. Together, we can make Iowa communities more beautiful and energy efficient.

Branching Out by the numbers

Program achievements, 1989-2005 mid-year:
1,120,657	Trees and seedlings planted
2,188	Total participating communities and projects
3,520,755	Population served
111,117	Volunteers involved
426,698	Volunteer hours contributed
$1,126,311	Gifts-in-kind donated
$672,706	Nursery discounts provided
45,892	Plantings on residential and commercial sites
15,085	Plantings on public sites
1,392	Plantings on school grounds
91%	Tree survival rate
Energy saved:
98,810	Heating DTH
1,835,370	Heating kWh
12,083,183	Cooling kWh
13,918,553	Total kWh
Environmental impact:
69,813,701	Carbon pounds sequestered
161,703,140	Storm water gallons offset
Economic impact:
$1,748,605	Savings from storm water
$6,242,075	Increase in property values

Research source: Dr. Greg McPherson, USDA Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research and Dr. Jan Thompson, Iowa State University, using Midwest data.

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