Through IID’s 2025 Public Green Space Grant program, approximately 1,300 trees were planted across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. Here, trees are planted at Ben Hulse Elementary School in Imperial.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) invites cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community organizations to apply for funding through its 2026 Public Green Space Grant Program, a successful initiative that’s helping reduce urban heat, lower temperatures, conserve energy, and promote community improvement.

Now in its third year, IID’s Public Green Space Grant program is part of the District’s 2026 Tree for All program and offers a total of $576,250 in funding, with individual awards of up to $35,000.

Applications open today, Monday, March 2, 2026, and must be submitted by March 24, 2026. Funded projects must be completed by November 30, 2026.

“We are excited to kick off our Public Green Space Grant Program for 2026,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “Trees support much-needed shade and the environment, promote well-being and quality of life, help conserve energy, and are a great way to invest in a greener future.”

IID Vice Chair JB Hamby reflected on the beneficial partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits, and community groups and emphasized the impact of the grant program: “The IID Tree for All program reinvests in our communities by providing relief from extreme heat, making our neighborhoods better places to live, and by reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting us all.”

In 2025, IID awarded Public Green Space Grants for 24 projects across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys to plant approximately 1,300 trees, an increase from 18 projects and 1,000 trees in 2024. Across the region, grant recipients include educational institutions, cities, local utility districts, and more.

Grant Eligibility & Application Details

Eligible projects must focus on planting significant shade trees to expand green spaces and strengthen urban forests. Special consideration will be given to projects that enhance parks, recreational spaces, and underserved communities.

While matching funds are not required, applicants that provide cost-sharing contributions will receive bonus points in the review process. Applications will be evaluated by an IID grant review committee.

How to Apply

📅 Application Deadline: March 24, 2026

📄 Download the application: www.iid.com/treeforallgrants

📧 Submit applications via email: treeforallgrants@iid.com

📞 Questions? Call IID Efficiency Programs at 1-760-482-3306