The deadline is quickly approaching for cities, schools and other organizations in Alabama to apply for cash grants to beautify their communities by planting trees.

The Alabama Power Foundation Inc., in partnership with the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, is accepting applications for the 2001 Urban and Community Tree Assistance Program. Over the last two years, more than $100,000 has been distributed to more than 80 cities, counties and community groups. Thanks to the grants, and the work of volunteers, thousands of trees have been planted across the state 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.

"It truly is a unique program," said Jerri LaHaie, executive director of the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, whose 400 members include tree care professionals, members of local tree commissions and other tree enthusiasts.

LaHaie said many communities have paired the tree assistance grants with federal dollars used to plan new parks, greenways and other beautification projects. She said the federal dollars can't be used to buy trees for those projects.

"The tree grant program really complements the federal grants," LaHaie said. "Plus it's so easy to apply."

Unlike many complicated government grants, the tree assistance grant application is just three pages. Groups that apply must include a budget for their proposals.

Grant winners receive up to $3,000 to buy trees. Applications must be postmarked NO LATER THAN AUG. 31, 2001. All applicants will be notified of the grant awards by Nov. 1, 2001.

For information about the tree grant program, or to obtain an application, call Liz McGill at the Alabama Power Foundation at (205) 257-2911 or the Foundation office 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, promoting arts and culture, restoring and enhancing the environment, and boosting health and human services. Its mission: to improve the quality of life of Alabamians and strengthen the communities in which they live.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power