Growing a healthy and resilient tree canopy in Philadelphia–together.
Launched in 2024 as part of the Philly Tree Plan implementation, SBN’s Urban Forestry Initiative (UFI) supports equitable tree-canopy expansion across Philadelphia while strengthening the local businesses that make this work possible.
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and The William Penn Foundation, UFI expands SBN’s environmental stewardship programming and deepens its role in urban greening through the Philly Tree Coalition and co-funded partners.
Modeled on SBN’s successful GSI Partners network, UFI convenes and equips urban forestry businesses to share opportunities, build capacity, and grow sustainably—particularly in neighborhoods prioritized by the Philly Tree Plan.
UFI builds industry capacity to deliver on the Philly Tree Plan by helping local businesses:
Over the five-year grant period, UFI aims to cultivate a network of 15+ businesses equipped to implement Philly Tree Plan projects and community-driven greening initiatives.
Urban forestry businesses include (but are not limited to):
Your business may be eligible for a UFI Scholarship, providing a full year of UFI Membership at no cost to you. Eligible businesses must be based in or do a majority of your business in the high-priority areas as outlined in the Philly Tree Plan.
SBN’s Urban Forestry Initiative supports participating businesses and nonprofit organizations by:
Have questions about eligibility, membership, or partnership opportunities with UFI?
Alex Cupo | Senior Manager, Environmental Programs & Industry Partnerships
alex [at] sbnphiladelphia.org
Priority is given to firms based in—or primarily serving—the Philly Tree Plan priority areas, but closely aligned regional businesses and organizations may also be eligible.
These priority areas include:
Businesses and organizations receiving the scholarship will become UFI Members of SBN, and will have full access to the UFI & SBN peer networks, exclusive programming and educational materials, networking opportunities with like-minded businesses, shared resources, a brand new Contract & Grants Portal, and the UFI Basecamp Resource Hub.
UFI members will meet at least 4 times a year including workshops, meetings, symposia, and social hours to connect with each other and build their networks and exchange ideas across both UFI and GSI Partners industry partnerships.
