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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philly Tree Coalition Announces Second Round of Funding for Microburst Storm Responsive Grant
William Penn Foundation Supports Both Rounds of Funding to Advance Community Recovery and Tree Restoration

PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 19, 2026 — The Philly Tree Coalition (PTC) is pleased to announce a second round of its Responsive Grants, made possible by the continued efforts of the William Penn Foundation, to help West and South Philly region recover from the devastating July 11 microbursts.

The new round will provide $90,000 for tree-related recovery and restoration efforts in West and South Philadelphia. Eligible nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups working with a fiscal sponsor are encouraged to apply. The application will open on Monday, October 19. More information, including eligibility requirements and timelines, is available at https://www.phillytreecoalition.org/resources/responsive-grant.

The Philly Tree Coalition just awarded its first round of Responsive Grants recovery funding, which includes five awards of $5,000 each to community-based organizations for projects addressing tree damage caused by the July 11, 2026, microbursts. Funding supports tree hazard mitigation, storm debris removal, replacement planting, and restoration of community green spaces. Projects will be implemented from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027, combining immediate recovery activities with community engagement and supporting longer-term urban tree canopy resilience.

“Philly neighborhoods lost significant trees during the storm. The loss of a mature tree is difficult to recover in our lifetime, but we can plan a path to recover lost canopy, preserve the trees we have and plant more trees for the future,” said Kiasha Huling, Director of the Philly Tree Coalition. “We are eager to provide the resources for residents to care for our tree canopy. PTC is grateful to the awarded organizations for their thoughtful work as excellent stewards of our trees.” 

The Philly Tree Coalition has awarded its first round of Responsive Grants to The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation, Friends of Wharton Square, Reinhard Street Community Farm and Kitchen, Saint Monica Tree Tenders, and The Central Club for Boys and Girls.

Below is a list of the awarded projects.

  • The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation
    Continue storm recovery through stump removal, site remediation, and corrective pruning of storm-damaged trees with hazardous or weakened limbs. Funding will support the second phase of recovery, address remaining safety concerns and help restore the site’s trees and grounds.
  • Friends of Wharton Square (fiscal sponsor: Point Breeze Business Association)
    Develop a professional planting plan that considers species selection, spacing, shade and nearby structures to guide the planting of 20 trees and five shrubs. The project will also include a community planting event and ongoing maintenance to help establish the new plantings and support long-term tree canopy recovery.
  • Reinhard Street Community Farm and Kitchen
    Coordinate the removal of storm-damaged trees by a professional contractor, retaining useable tree materials for the farm. Community members will canvass neighbors to identify tree removal needs and organize a community workday to plant replacement trees, combining neighborhood recovery with community engagement.
  • Saint Monica Tree Tenders
    Conduct a neighborhood tree risk assessment focused on mature trees potentially damaged by the storm. An arborist will identify hazardous limbs, structural damage, and signs of tree decline, and provide recommendations for pruning, monitoring, or removal. The project will also include public education to identify potential tree hazards and understand how to address them.
  • The Central Club for Boys and Girls (fiscal sponsor: Philly Thrive)
    Restore the Mabel V. Wilson Memorial Garden through storm debris removal, assessment of surviving trees, and site clearing. Restoration will include repair of garden areas, improve soil and planting beds, replace damaged trees and vegetation, and identify infrastructure and maintenance needs to support the garden’s long-term recovery as a community greenspace.

If you are an organization or individual impacted by the storm, you can email us directly at phillytreecoalition@phmc.org to report your damages, issues and/or loss.

About the Philly Tree Coalition

The Philly Tree Coalition, hosted by Public Health Management Corporation, is a resident-led, cross-sector partnership that includes representatives from seven priority areas and key community partners across Philadelphia. As the primary facilitator of the Philly Tree Plan, the Philly Tree Coalition is dedicated to a 30-year vision: growing Philadelphia’s tree canopy to 30%. Learn more: https://www.phillytreecoalition.org/

About William Penn Foundation
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is committed to expanding access to resources and opportunities that promote a more vital and just city and region for all. We do this through funding programs in the Philadelphia region in arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic initiatives, environment and public space, and workforce training and services. Learn more at www.williampennfoundation.org.

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