National Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation (Arborday.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Lincoln, Nebraska, whose mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. The site describes large-scale tree-planting programs, an Impact Fund, membership and education resources, and lists the Lincoln, NE address.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Nonprofits or municipal programs focused on tree planting, urban forestry, reforestation, or municipal forest best-practice adoption with capacity to show measurable planting or stewardship outcomes.
Good Fit
- • Projects that advance municipal forest practices, inventory, planting, maintenance, or education.
- • Programs with clear measurable outcomes for trees planted, survival rates, or canopy gain.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the typical mid-size range ($10K–$250K) or partnerships that can absorb larger Impact Fund investments.
- • Geographic projects or partnerships that scale beyond a single neighborhood or that work with cities/municipalities.
- • Ability to document partnerships with local governments, parks departments, or established urban forestry organizations.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in 45 states and have been distributed nationally across multiple years, so the footprint is broadly national despite the foundation's Nebraska base.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 172 distinct recipients with substantial turnover (93 new recipients and 79 returning), and recipients include both city governments and independent nonprofits rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows many new grantees in the latest year and a public Impact Fund contact and contact form on the website; although formal application guidelines were not posted, observed recipient turnover and a visible contact route indicate new applicants can plausibly enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
