2026 Los Angeles Basecamp: Microgrants for Microforests
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Welcome to the Los Angeles Basecamp's Microgrants for Microforests Application!
Questions? Email Erin McCombs at emccombs@janegoodall.org
We believe anyone—at any age—can help make the world a better place for people, other animals, and the environment. For information on our general grant opportunities, please visit the Los Angeles Basecamp webpage. This specific funding opportunity is designed to support microforest projects in Los Angeles, helping you grow your idea into action.
What is Roots & Shoots?
Roots & Shoots is a global youth-powered movement founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. It’s all about inspiring people to take action in their communities to help people, animals, and the environment. No matter how big or small, every project creates positive change! Through service projects, we learn to be compassionate changemakers, listen to our communities, and work together to build a better world.
What is the Los Angeles Basecamp?
The Los Angeles Basecamp is a local network for people who want to create positive change. Our Basecamp connects you with others who care about their communities and provides resources to turn your ideas into action. Our goal is to foster respect, understanding, and compassion - in an effort to make the world a better place.
About the Microgrants for Microforests Program
What is a microforest?
Microforests (also called pocket forests, mini forests, and tiny forests) are densely-planted and multilayered indigenous forests planted in small urban spaces which act as self-sustaining ecosystems that reconnect fragmented habitat and restore biodiversity in the city. Modified from the globally-recognized Miyawaki Method from Japan, microforests in Los Angeles have been designed specifically to mimic the natural Southern Oak Woodlands in our nearby hillsides and canyons.
Project Overview
Microgrants for Microforests is a partnership between Roots & Shoots Los Angeles and Seed to Landscape that empowers youth-led teams to create a 250 sq. ft. native microforest. Selected projects receive native plants, site guidance, and an on-site coaching session, helping students turn their ideas into lasting environmental impact in their communities.
What Happens If You're Selected
Selected groups will work with Roots & Shoots and Seed to Landscape to plan and install a 250 sq. ft. native microforest at their approved site, using the following steps:
- Choose your location. Identify the location for your microforest (using the site requirements listed below) and obtain proper permissions (from your principal, landowner, etc.)
- Apply. Apply for the Microgrants for Microforests program. If selected, you will be notified within 30 days.
- Plan your coaching session. Seed to Landscape will arrange a site visit to deliver the plants and coach your group about plant placement, maintenance, etc.
- Plant your microforest. Organize a day for your group, as well as local volunteers from your community, to come out and plant your microforest.
- Maintain your microforest. Your microforest will require regular maintenance (watering and weeding) for the first year.
- Reach out! We would love to hear how your project is coming along. Be sure to reach out with project updates, and with any questions or support you need.
Participant Responsibilities
- Ensure the site meets site requirements (listed below) and has proper permissions (from your principal, landowner, etc.).
- Provide basic gardening supplies such as mulch, hoses, shovels, and gloves. These items are often available as donations. Note: Groups that cannot obtain these supplies may apply for a limited need-based grant of $100.
- Complete the installation with guidance from Seed to Landscape.
- Provide ongoing establishment care (watering and weeding) for the microforest during the first year with guidance from Seed to Landscape.
- Track progress and share updates on the project as requested.
Site Requirements
Sites must meet all of the following requirements to be considered for a microgrant.
- Site is a total of 250 square feet in any shape
- Site contains bare dirt, grass, or weeds, but NOT asphalt or concrete.
- Site has access to water nearby (e.g. a hose bib within 200 feet)
- Site gets more than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Site is exposed to the open sky, not under an overhang or eave
- Site is at least 10 feet away from any structures
- Site does not have any utility lines overhead
- Site is accessible enough to be able to transport materials, tools, mulch, etc. to the project site
- Site is located in Los Angeles County or Orange County. Sites in San Bernardino County may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For questions about eligibility, reach out to Erin at emccombs@janegoodall.org
Required Uploads
Please plan to upload all of the following with your application:
- 3 Photos of the site from different angles
- Signed Microforest Permission Form by authorized person (school principal, landowner, etc.)
Eligibility
Where we fund
We fund projects in the following counties:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- Projects in San Bernardino County may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For questions about eligibility, reach out to Erin at emccombs@janegoodall.org.
Who can apply?
Anyone! You don’t need to be an expert or have grant-writing experience. We welcome:
- People of any age*
- Students
- Community groups (for example: sports teams, you + your friends and neighbors, church groups)
- Educators
- Parents/families
- Individuals
- Schools, universities, and non-profits
- Local governments, tribes, tribal nations, and their political subdivisions
*Applicants under the age of 13 will need a parent or guardian to submit the application with them. Parents/educators/adults assisting youth - Please highlight how your child/students are taking the lead in planning and maintaining this project.
Who is NOT eligible?
- You are not eligible to apply if you have received any Roots & Shoots project grant for 2026.
- You are not eligible to apply if you are the recipient of a past grant and have not yet submitted your final project report.
- For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply.
If you need clarification or have questions, please email Los Angeles Basecamp Coordinator, Erin McCombs (emccombs@janegoodall.org).
The Application Process
Before you apply
- Join Roots & Shoots - Sign up for free at rootsandshoots.org/register
- Create a Submittable account - Sign up for free by clicking here! Submittable is the platform we use for our grantmaking process and you will need an account to apply. The application will not load unless you are logged in to your Submittable account.
- Connect with your Basecamp Coordinator - email Erin McCombs (emccombs@janegoodall.org) with any questions you may have.
How to apply
- Log in to your Submittable account.
- Fill in the application form, which will appear at the bottom of this page if you are logged in.
- If you can't finish in one sitting, click the "Save Draft" button before closing your window.
- If you need to change your application after submitting it, you can request to edit the submission.
- For technical help with using Submittable (this application platform), check out this webpage.
Application Schedule
- Rolling deadline - A "rolling" deadline you can apply at any time before Nov 1, 2026! Your application will be reviewed and we'll respond with any questions within 2-4 weeks.
- 30 Days after submission - Applicants will be notified of the status of their application.
- Grant report deadline for grants awarded in 2026 is 6 months after notification of acceptance.
Expectations
As a recipient of Microgrants for Microforests, grantees will be expected to:
- Join Roots & Shoots as a member (it's free!).
- Work with Roots & Shoots and Seed to Landscape to install your microforest.
- Submit a project report within 6 months of acceptance.
- Care for your microforest (watering and weeding) for the first year with guidance from Seed to Landscape.
How We Review Applications
Your application will be reviewed by Roots & Shoots staff members and volunteers. The percentages in the section below show the weight assigned to each funding priority during the application review. The bulleted questions in each section are intended to help guide your planning process towards a thoughtful application. While it is not required that you answer each question, being able to do so will greatly strengthen your application.
Does your project center the voices and ideas of young people? (40%)
- How were youth involved in choosing to plant a microforest?
- How is this project helping youth grow their leadership or project-building skills?
- How will the youth be involved in planning, planting, and maintaining your microforest?
Does the project demonstrate inclusivity and diversity? (Both within the project team and in the places the project will impact?) (30%)
Roots & Shoots believes that diversity strengthens our communities and strives to fund projects that bring together young people with a range of talents, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
- Did you include community members in your decision to plant a microforest? Why or why not? Will they be included in the project execution? Will they be impacted by the project?
- Does the applicant’s group include and/or collaborate with Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people who are disabled, or members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community?
- Will you be working with other groups or organizations for your microforest? If so, which ones?
Does the application demonstrate the group's need for these funds to implement their Roots & Shoots project? (20%)
Reducing financial barriers to participation for groups and individuals is an underlying principle of the Roots & Shoots grant funding. We also strive to support projects and individuals that collaborate with under-resourced communities.
Project Commitment (10%)
Participants must provide ongoing establishment care (watering and weeding) for the microforest during the first year with guidance from Seed to Landscape.
- What is your plan for maintaining (watering and weeding) your microforest for the next year?