Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility and Trees Forever announced they are awarding $115,050 to 25 Iowa communities or organizations through their Branching Out community tree planting program this fall.

Alliant Energy provides funding for Branching Out, a nationally recognized program. It partners with Trees Forever and local community leaders to develop and implement public tree-planting projects. The program supports energy efficiency with strategic planting locations and designs. It also improves the quality of life, increases environmental awareness, and encourages volunteer involvement.

“We hope that by investing in tree planting and education, our customers will learn more about the energy efficiency and sustainability benefits trees offer,” said Tom Aller, President of Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility. “This is one of the ways we are working with our communities and customers to help create a more sustainable future.”

Alliant Energy provides grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects in communities it serves. These can be at parks, community gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools, and more. Trees Forever administers the Branching Out program and provides technical and planning support.

Since the beginning of the Branching Out program in 1989, communities and organizations have planted more than 1.4 million trees and seedlings in Iowa.

“Every Branching Out project focuses on long-term tree care, with a special emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation,” said Shannon Ramsay, founding president of Trees Forever. “We are pleased to continue our long partnership with Alliant Energy, in a combined effort to educate Iowans about the importance of trees and improving our environment, one community at a time.”

Organizations can submit grant applications anytime. However, funding is only decided during two grant-making cycles – November 1 for spring plantings and June 1 for fall plantings.

In Atlantic, $5,000 is being awarded to Cass County Memorial Hospital.

For more information, contact Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269 or visit alliantenergy.com/branchingout or treesforever.org.