San Jose Nonprofit Receives $2.6 Million State Grant
The funding aims to boost the city's tree canopy to combat rising neighborhood temperatures.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
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State Senator Dave Cortese has awarded $2.625 million in state funding to the nonprofit organization Our City Forest. The investment is designed to address historical funding gaps and expand tree planting efforts across San Jose.
Why it matters
San Jose neighborhoods lacking sufficient tree cover can be 6 to 7 degrees hotter than other areas. This funding will help expand the canopy to reduce local heat and improve quality of life for residents.
Our City Forest has planted 80,000 trees and engaged over 175,000 volunteers since 1991. The state grant follows the organization's first gala fundraiser held on September 25, 2026.
The players
Dave Cortese
He is a State Senator who secured the $2.625 million in state funding for the organization.
Our City Forest
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to urban forestry and has planted 80,000 trees in the area since 1991.
Tara Sreekrishnan
She recently succeeded Rhonda Berry to become the new executive director of the nonprofit organization.
Rhonda Berry
She founded the organization in 1991 and recently retired as its executive director.
The details
Our City Forest utilizes a trained volunteer corps, including the Tree Amigos, to lead planting projects and educate residents on tree maintenance. The organization recently celebrated leadership transitions, with Tara Sreekrishnan succeeding founder Rhonda Berry as executive director.
Timeline
1991: Rhonda Berry founded the nonprofit.
September 25, 2026: The organization held its first gala fundraiser.
October 2026: San Jose experienced an unusually hot month.
Market Landscape
This state funding follows the precedent set by the California Urban Greening Grant Program to bolster municipal climate resilience. The investment positions the organization to expand its operations significantly against regional environmental sustainability goals.
Local residents in historically under-canopied neighborhoods like East and Central San Jose may soon see expanded tree-planting projects near their homes. This increase in canopy cover is expected to provide long-term relief from extreme heat during summer and autumn months.
The takeaway
Expanding urban tree canopies serves as a critical infrastructure strategy for lowering neighborhood temperatures in warming climates. Residents interested in improving their local environment can contact the organization to join volunteer planting initiatives.
Further reading
For additional context on local non-profit initiatives, visit the San Jose Philanthropy section.
More information
For more information on the project's scope, visit the Our City Forest program information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Jose Mercury News.
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