2 Billion Trees Program

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program aims to motivate and support new tree planting projects. Over a period of 10 years, by 2031, up to $3.2 billion will be invested in tree planting efforts to support provinces, territories, third-party organizations (for-profit and not-for profit) and Indigenous organizations to plant two billion trees across Canada. 

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program has launched an ongoing call for proposals – applications can be submitted anytime. The 2BT program will process and assess proposals based on the submission date and provide decisions at specific intervals.

Tree Planting Stream: for organizations, including for-profit organizations and non-profit organizations interested in tree planting projects. See the Tree Planting Applicant Guide.

Indigenous Funding Stream: for Indigenous governments/communities/organizations interested in tree planting and/or capacity building projects. See the Indigenous Funding Stream Applicant Guide.

Upcoming decision dates for the Tree Planting Stream and the Indigenous Funding Stream: 

Apply by May 15, 2025, for a decision by November 2025

Apply by September 18, 2025, for a decision by March 2026

Tree Planting Stream eligible applicants include:

• a not-for-profit organization registered in Canada, such as a charitable organization, volunteer organization, community, professional, industry or other association, land conservation organization, or non-government organization

• a for-profit organization (legally incorporated or registered in Canada)

• an Indigenous organization (for-profit and not-for-profit) or community

Indigenous Funding Stream eligible applicants include:

• Indigenous organizations (for-profit and not-for-profit), Indigenous governments and communities. 

  • Indigenous organization refers to Indigenous nations entities (as self-defined entities representing nation-based collectives—could be linked by cultural or linguistic background, geographical area or historical treaty lines), nation member communities or member organizations on behalf of nation entities, Section 35 rights-bearing Métis entities, national and regional Indigenous organizations, self-governing Indigenous governments, Indigenous-owned or -operated businesses, other Indigenous organizations.

The Program allows for additional supports from other federal and provincial programs (stacking) up to 100% of total project costs. We will consider further flexibilities as required, including costs for capacity building activities.

Individual landowners, Provincial and Territorial Governments, Federal Government Departments and Crown Corporations are not eligible under this funding stream of the 2BT program. 

Tree planting projects supported by the 2BT program fall into three streams:

• Mass Planting Stream - must plant an average of 500,000 seedlings/trees per calendar year (January to December) in each year in which planting occurs 

• Small-Scale Planting Stream - must plant an average of 50,000 trees per calendar year (January to December) in each year in which planting occurs

• Urban/Suburban Stream - The program is not accepting applications for this funding stream at this time. However, you may be eligible for funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative. Trees planted through this program will support Canada’s goal of planting two billion trees. To learn more about this new initiative and how to apply, please visit the GCCC website.