Community and Stewardship
Branching Out
A nationally-recognized community grant program to plant trees and improve energy efficiency in Iowa.
Through Branching Out, your community can work together with Alliant Energy and Trees Forever to fund and implement tree-planting projects.
Celebrating more than two decades of plantings, Branching Out encourages energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and community stewardship in Iowa.
The benefits of trees are many!
- Planting trees provides more shade and cools the air, helping to lower energy costs and reduce peak electric demand.
- The trees planted represent an energy savings of over 14 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). That’s the equivalent of removing 7,800 vehicles from Iowa roads each year.
- Branching Out also helps diversify the tree population, which limits the negative impacts of pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. A diverse urban forest is the best way to ensure resiliency when faced with tree diseases and pests.
Eligibility
Branching Out is offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of $1000 to $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 proposal letter guidelines on the application). The process is competitive and preference is given to applicants that meet all guidelines.
Send completed applications, proposal letters and site plans to:
Trees Forever
c/o Branching Out
770 7th Avenue
Marion, Iowa 52302
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 | March 1-31 |
| Fall | June 1 | August 15 | September 1-30 |