Partner Spotlight: The Blueprint Foundation

EXPANDING OUR IMPACT. TOGETHER.

Partnership is a foundational for us at Friends of Trees. We’re so grateful to our community partners who work with us to engage with the community, exchange knowledge, and expand our collective impact.

We recently connected with Curtis Young, the Executive Director of The Blueprint Foundation, which connects communities, primarily Black and underserved communities, to environmental and economic opportunities. They’re one of our historic partners and a member of our 11-member USDA grant coalition. Over the course of the five-year grant project, our coalition will work to empower disadvantaged, low-canopy neighborhoods to expand their tree canopy.

What does the USDA community forestry grant mean to the Blueprint Foundation and how will these funds impact your work?

CURTIS: The Community Forestry Grant is a transformative opportunity for the Blueprint Foundation. As a small nonprofit with a mission to connect communities, primarily Black and underserved communities, to environmental and economic opportunities, these funds will allow us to expand our impact significantly and scale our work in ways we’ve always envisioned but have not yet had the resources to achieve.

Community forestry isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about fostering environmental stewardship, creating green spaces that heal and empower communities, and providing pathways for economic growth through workforce development. This funding will enable us to deepen our programs, including our hands-on training opportunities in urban forestry, habitat restoration, and sustainable landscaping, which equip young people with the skills to pursue careers in green industries.

These funds will also allow us to engage even more communities in our work, creating spaces where people can gather, learn, and grow together.

Whether we expand tree-planting initiatives in neighborhoods that need them most or educate residents about the benefits of urban forestry, this grant will help us bring our vision of equitable, thriving communities to life.

On a broader level, this funding is a testament to the importance of organizations like ours, led by and for communities of color, in driving equitable environmental change. It allows us to build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that our impact is felt today and sustained for generations to come. We’re excited and grateful for this opportunity and eager to use these funds to create lasting, meaningful change.

What excites you about the coalition aspect of this project?

CURTIS: Being part of the coalition is an inspiring and rewarding experience. It’s exciting because it involves people and nature coming together meaningfully. Trees are vital to our lives—they clean our air, cool our neighborhoods, and bring so much beauty to our communities. Knowing that we’re working to grow and protect them, especially in partnership with others who care just as profoundly, feels incredible.

What makes it truly special is the collaboration.

When nonprofits, government agencies, and community members collaborate, they combine resources, knowledge, and passion. It’s not just about planting trees— but building relationships, creating healthier neighborhoods, and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in our shared spaces. Everyone’s voice matters, and the result is something we can all be proud of.

One of my favorite parts is the connection to the community. Trees bring people together, whether through planting events, educational programs, or simply the shared joy of walking under a canopy of leaves. You see firsthand how something as simple as a tree can transform a neighborhood—physically and emotionally. It builds hope and a sense of belonging.

And then there’s the lasting impact. You’re not just making a difference today; you’re creating something future generations will enjoy. There’s something powerful about looking at a tree you helped plant and knowing it will stand tall long after you’re gone, providing shade, clean air, and beauty for years. This work leaves a legacy, and being part of that is such a privilege.