LINCOLN, Neb. and TORONTO, April 17, 2019 – Today, TD Bank Group (TD) and the Arbor Day Foundation announced the recipients of the inaugural TD Green Space Grants program, providing a total of $400,000 USD. The goal of these grants is to support green infrastructure development, tree planting, forestry stewardship and community green space expansion as a means to advance environmental and economic benefits.
In the first year, 20 cities in Canada and the United States will each receive a TD Green Space Grant of $20,000 USD. Events will be hosted in these cities throughout the year, with the first one happening in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 4.
"With more people moving into urban areas, cities are increasingly becoming the heart of where we live, work and play," says Andrea Barrack, Global Head of Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, TD. "Green spaces play a critical role in creating more livable cities. Not only do they provide environmental benefits, but they also provide social services and economic benefits to cities and the people within them. That's why as part of our corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment, we are working with the Arbor Day Foundation to propel innovative ideas forward that can help create a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow."
"We're excited to partner with TD to support 20 cities in the U.S. and Canada that are deeply committed to urban forestry. A healthier tree canopy in our cities and towns produces clear benefits for community residents -- including improved air quality, captured carbon emissions, and enhanced quality of life," said Matt Harris, Chief Executive, Arbor Day Foundation.
The following cities will receive 2019 TD Green Space grants:
United States
Hartford, Connecticut
Jacksonville, Florida
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Morristown, New Jersey
Bronx, New York
Watervliet, New York
Easton, Pennsylvania
Providence, Rhode Island
Clinton, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Canada
Lake Country, British Columbia
Trenton, Nova Scotia
Mississauga, Ontario
Niagara Fall, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario
Petawawa, Ontario
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Montreal, Quebec
Kisbey, Saskatchewan
TD provides the funding for the grants -- which are awarded annually -- and the Arbor Day Foundation administers the program. TD Green Space Grants is part of The Ready Commitment, TD's North American corporate citizenship platform to help create a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.
The 2019 theme for the program is Innovations in Park-Based Green Infrastructure. To be eligible for a grant, qualified municipalities must be within TD's footprint in the United States and Canada. Priority is given to projects occurring in a low- to moderate-income area of the local community. For communities applying within the U.S., preference will be given to currently recognized Tree City USA® communities or those interested in becoming a Tree City USA community over the next calendar year.
For more information, visit arborday.org/programs/tdgreenspacegrants.
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.
About TD Global Corporate Citizenship
TD has a long-standing commitment to enriching the lives of its customers, colleagues and communities. As part of its corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment, TD is targeting CDN $1 billion (US $775 million) in total by 2030 towards community giving in four areas critical to opening doors for a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow – Financial Security, Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Through The Ready Commitment TD aspires to link its business, philanthropy and human capital to help people feel more confident – not just about their finances, but also in their ability to achieve their personal goals in a changing world. For further information, visit td.com/thereadycommitment.
###