Looking for Ideas for Spring Tree Planting! Volunteers Can Secure Funding from the “Planting the Future” Program

The Planting the Future program is once again opening a call for those who want to plant trees in their communities. Led by the Ekopolis Foundation, which has been actively enhancing the environment in Slovakia for 30 years through its programs and projects, this initiative offers financial support for tree planting. Active volunteers can apply for funding of up to four thousand euros in the spring round. The call is open until January 20, 2025, and full details are available at www.sadimebuducnost.sk.

The Planting the Future program focuses on supporting the planting of functional greenery in cultivated landscapes outside of forests, particularly in areas most impacted by human activity. It supports ideas for planting submitted by volunteers from local informal groups, non-profit organizations, schools, associations, institutions, or local governments. In addition to covering the cost of planting materials, the grant program also funds site preparation, expert consultations, transportation, the purchase of supplementary materials or tools, promotion, and crucial post-planting care for at least three years. “The seventh call of our program offers an opportunity for those who recognize that our landscapes need trees—functional organisms that aid us in various measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Anyone can apply, and all grant conditions are detailed in the Grant Call Guidelines,” explains Martina Hromadová, program manager at the Ekopolis Foundation. The foundation’s team also offers expert consultations to help turn ideas into successful projects.

“Trees serve countless functions essential for human life—for example, in summer, they act as natural air conditioning units for our overheated cities, they effectively retain water during heavy rains, purify the air, and overall, life with trees is healthier,” clarifies Martina Hromadová, explaining the aim of the initiative. The program will support the planting of fruit orchards, tree-lined avenues, clusters of trees, windbreaks, and linear plantings. Detailed conditions for applying to the grant program can be found in the document Provisions – SPRING 2025.

Applications for the grant can be submitted via an online form. The deadline for the spring grant round is January 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Supported projects will be selected by an expert committee based on published criteria. The results will be announced at the end of February 2025.

The main partner of the Planting the Future program is GLS General Logistics System Slovakia s.r.o. Financial support for tree planting is ensured by corporate financial partners.

Contact for more information: Martina Hromadová, PR Manager of Ekopolis Foundation, hromadova@ekopolis.sk, +421 908 371 289

About the Planting the Future program:

The Planting the Future program engages people in planning, planting, and caring for trees, symbolizing solidarity between people and nature. The program aims to return trees to settlements and open landscapes where they are needed most—particularly in areas where green infrastructure is lacking or degraded. An essential part of the program is supporting local communities, active municipalities, schools, and civic associations. The initiative includes educational, informational, and demonstration activities to raise awareness about the importance of trees in the landscape.

You can find all additional information at www.sadimebuducnost.sk or www.ekopolis.sk.
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