Grant Request Tree Trust
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Tree Trust
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1419 Energy Park Dr.
City: St. Paul
State: MN
Postal Code: 55108
Main Phone: 952-767-3880
Main Fax:
Organization Website: treetrust.org
Employer ID Number: 41-1291626
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000
Project Title: Summer Youth Employment Program
Project Description:
Since its founding in 1976, Tree Trust has trained young people for meaningful employment. The organization has adapted over the years to serve Minnesota’s evolving needs, while remaining committed to its mission of transforming lives and landscapes—by helping people build career skills, inspiring tree planting, and making the community greener and healthier.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is Tree Trust’s entry-level initiative for high school youth ages 14-21. Many participants face barriers such as racism, poverty, disabilities, homelessness, or mental health challenges. SYEP offers a positive, participant-centered work experience that equips youth with essential workplace and interpersonal skills. The program helps lay a foundation for success in school and future employment, emphasizing perseverance, community involvement, and the satisfaction of accomplishing meaningful work.
SYEP operates for nine weeks from June to August. Trainees earn paychecks while developing technical skills and stewarding community green spaces through construction and landscaping projects. Activities include planting shrubs and flowers, removing invasive species, installing patios and block walls, constructing bridges, boardwalks, staircases, retaining walls, fences, and maintaining trails.
Trainees also complete job readiness training, receive mentorship from Tree Trust staff, practice budgeting, and set career goals. They learn transferable skills such as teamwork, clear communication, meeting workplace expectations, and giving and receiving feedback. At the end of the program, trainees receive a Tree Trust Certificate, recognizing skills such as tool identification, worksite safety, environmental stewardship, budgeting, career exploration, resume building, and interviewing. These skills prepare youth for careers in landscaping, city parks, carpentry, and project management. Youth work about 20 hours per week on supervised landscaping and construction projects.
Total Project Budget: $881,589
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): All support for our 2027 program is potential at this time. We have received support from the following funding sources historically and expect their continued partnership: CenterPoint Energy, Dakota County Youth Workforce Program, Great River Energy,Hennepin County Youth Career Development Services, McNeely Foundation, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions/CareerForce, RBC Foundation, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Walser Foundation.
Project Duration: June-August 2027
Geographical Area Served: Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area, Minnesota
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Anne-Marie
Contact Last Name: Hendrickson
Contact Title: Director of Development and Communications
Contact Phone: 952-767-3882
Contact Email: development@treetrust.org