It's time again for Alabama cities, schools and other organizations to apply for cash grants to beautify their communities by planting trees.

The Alabama Power Foundation, in partnership with the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, is now accepting applications for the 2002 Urban and Community Tree Assistance Program. Over the past three years, more than $150,000 in grants have been distributed to more than 130 cities, counties, schools and community groups. The grants have been used to buy thousands of trees for planting in community parks, along roadways and on school grounds, among other sites.

The tree assistance program is the only one of its kind in Alabama and is open to local governments, nonprofit groups and both public and private schools, colleges and universities. Grants of up to $3,000 are awarded.

Those interested in the grant program must file their applications by Sept. 16, 2002. Winners will be notified no later than Nov. 1, 2002.

For more information about the grant program, or to obtain an application, please call the Alabama Power Foundation at (205) 257-2508.

For more than a decade, the Alabama Power Foundation has provided support and funding for hundreds of worthy projects throughout the state. The Foundation focuses its resources on improving education and restoring and enhancing the environment, among other projects.

SOURCE: Alabama Power Company