Fruitful Futures Tree Grant for Schools

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce a new grant under the Plant A Seed program named the Fruitful Futures Tree Grant. This grant is provided through the Commissioner Chair initiatives and administered through the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The Open Space Trust Fund was created to assist in the execution of policy made by the Union County Board of Commissioners to conserve open space, provide recreational opportunities, and preserve historic sites throughout the twenty-one municipalities in Union County.

This year, Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Commissioner Sergio Granados, and the Board have committed to investing in a STEM based education that provides students with a wonderful hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and will make a lasting impact for future generations.

The Fruitful Futures Tree Grant allows schools to apply for the planting of a fruit tree giving them another way to expand their gardens. This fruit tree will stand on school grounds for years to come, as a living reminder of the importance of conserving natural resources and will be an abundant source of nutrient-rich food for students.

The nonprofit organization, Groundwork Elizabeth will provide a complete tree package. This includes the installation of the fruit tree along with a care instructions kit, soil, tools, materials and follow-up support.

This grant is open to Pre-K through 12th grade schools in Union County.

All applicants meeting the established criteria will be considered based upon completed application, number of applications received, and locations of communities served.

Applications for 2025 are now being accepted. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Applicants will be notified of their award shortly thereafter.

Funding is available to Pre-K through 12th grade schools throughout the County of Union.

Projects will be chosen based on need, scope, population served and readiness to proceed.

Joint School Projects will be accepted based on coordination and approval by the Office of Open Space, Recreation & Historical Preservation Trust Fund.

Projects must be current initiatives, and all funding awarded must be expended by December 31, 2025.  There is no ability to extend beyond this deadline.

• Pictures of the desired site location must be submitted along with the application to acedeno@ucnj.org.

• All recipients of grant dollars will be required to post signage provided by the Open Space Trust Fund indicating “This garden was made possible by the Union County Commissioner Board”.

• All grant receipts are required to notify the Office of Open Space Trust Fund of any garden programing and extend an invitation to the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

• All recipients will be subject to monitoring visits by the Office of the Open Space Trust Fund and Groundwork Elizabeth staff.

• Gardens are required to submit pictures through https://ucnj.org/plant-a-seed-blog/submit-progress-reports/ on a monthly basis commencing after their planting date.

• Should it be determined by the County that the funds granted pursuant to this agreement are not being so dedicated by the applicant, and then in that event, the County will require reimbursement of all amounts so granted. This provision applies to any present or future violations.

• There will be a mandatory award ceremony on April 30th, which will include workshops and speakers. At least one participant from the organization receiving an award must be present. The date will be announced during the application review period.

• Trees must be located on property on at least 16’x12’, with 20’x14’ preferable, receiving 6-8 hours of sunlight daily with available water supply.

• Applicants must be able to maintain the tree all year around.

• Avoid high-traffic areas where trees could get trampled (i.e. sports fields), or areas where fallen fruit will become a nuisance (sidewalks, parking lots). Avoid snow removal ‘dump’ areas or areas that will limit mower or snow-blower clearance routes.

• The County of Union nor its non-profit partner Groundwork Elizabeth will not be removing asphalt.

• Grantees will need to select a planting date. The planting date will require the grantees to have students readily available to plant alongside Groundwork Elizabeth staff and the Board of County Commissioners. Students must have signed media release consent forms prior to the planting date.

There will be a mandatory award ceremony on April 30th, which will include workshops and speakers. At least one participant from the organization receiving an award must be present. The date will be announced during the application review period.

By signing below, I demonstrate the school’s commitment to:

• Pictures of the desired site location must be submitted along with the application to Angelica Cedeno at acedeno@ucnj.org.
• Display a sign provided by Union County, identifying the funding source.
• Include members of the Commissioner Board in garden events, provide photos for use in an online photo gallery, and credit the Commissioner when publicizing the award