Dig In!
Tree, Bulb, & Native Perennial Grants
About
The Dig In! Tree, Bulb and Native Perennial grant supplies
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daffodil bulbs
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​native trees
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native perennial plants ​
to eligible schools, municipalities, and community groups in Passaic County to promote habitat restoration and community-wide beautification.
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Plants are granted by City Green and site preparation and planting is completed by the grantee.
Applicants can request 1 -2 plant types for their planting project. (Ex. Trees and daffodils OR daffodils and native perennials.)
Eligibility
All projects must have:
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A minimum of 2 adults committed to the project
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A visible public location and provide an identifiable positive impact to the neighborhood
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Adequate sun and water access for the plants selected.
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An appropriate site preparation, irrigation and maintenance plan for the planting.
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Not eligible:
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Commercial for-profit entities
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Private Residence
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How it works & timeline
Site Identification and Prep January - June
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Community organizations, schools, and Passaic County municipalities identify their desired garden sites, recruit community support, and get ready to apply.
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Application Period June 12th - August 9th ​
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The Tree, Bulb, and Perennial Grant Applications open online. There are separate applications for municipalities and community organizations/schools.
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​Grant Notification Late August / Early September 2025
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​The project coordinators (provided in your application) will receive an email including your grant award letter and agreement. The agreement must be be signed and returned to City Green by the deadline provided in the letter.
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Mandatory Grant Training September 2025
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All grantees must attend a short virtual grant award training to review grant requirements, plant pick up logistics and plant care information.
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Plant Delivery October 2025​
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Grantees will be contacted with our available plant pick up dates. City Green will inform you what size vehicle will be required for your plants.
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​Installation Deadline November 30th, 2025
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This is the last date for you to plant your garden or trees. Don't forget to take photos for your grant report that is due in December.
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​Grant Report Due December 13th, 2025
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​This is the deadline for you to submit your required grant report online. Not submitting a grant report can result in City Green requesting you to return plants to us or may jeopardize any future applications to the program.
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The grant report includes:
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Before, during, and after photos of the project
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A link to a social media post or press release about the project which credits City Green and Passaic County Board of County Commissioner
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About Tree Grants
How it works
Once awarded, grantees can select from 3 native tree species in the quantity they are offered in their grant letter.
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What you receive
You will receive native trees that are 6 - 8 ft. tall. They come in 15 - 20 gallon pots with 1 - 2 inch trunk caliper.
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How many trees you can get
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Municipalities can apply for 3, 5, or 10 trees
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Community Group/Organization​ can apply for 1, 3, or 5 trees
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Schools are not eligible for trees
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What else to know
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Applicants must have access to water and an effective irrigation plan to qualify.
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Schools are not eligible.
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About Native, Perennial Plant Grants
There are two types of Native, Perennial Grants:
1) Plants-Only Grants and 2) the Pollinator Planter Grant. See below for details.
1.) Plants-Only Grant
​What you receive
You will receive native perennial plants in 1 - 2 gallons pots that are ready to be planted. Plants are pre-selected by City Green based on your site conditions and nursery availability. There are full sun, wet site, and shady site options that can be selected in your application.
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How many plants you get
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Municipalities can apply for
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​ 35 plants (80 sq. ft of planting space or more required​) OR
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70 plants (160 sq. ft of planting space or more required​)
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Community Organizations and Schools can apply for
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​ 20 plants (60 sq. ft of planting space or more required​) OR
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35 plants ​​ (80 sq. ft of planting space or more required)
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What else to know
Applicants must have access to water and an effective site preparation and maintenance plan to qualify.
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2.) Pollinator Planter Grant
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​​What you receive
Grantees receive 10 native, perennial plants complete with 1 - 2 metal raised beds, soil, and signage.
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Eligibility
The Pollinator Planter is only available to schools and community organizations without access to workable soil. The site must receive 6 + hours of sunlight and have an accessible water source to qualifiy
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About Daffodil Grants
​What you receive
Once granted, you will receive daffodil bulbs that are ready to be planted. They are packaged in bags of 250.
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How many daffodil bulbs you can get
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Municipalities can apply for 500, 1,000, or 3,000 bulbs
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Community Organization​s and Schools can apply for 100, 250, or 500 bulbs
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What else to know
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Applicants must have access to water and an effective irrigation plan to qualify. ​​​
Questions? Reach out to Miranda Madrazo at mmadrazo@city-green.org or call 973-869-4086