Across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, faith communities were ready to roll up their sleeves and bring much-needed green infrastructure to their neighborhoods. Through Faith in Place’s $1.9 million Tree Canopy and Workforce Community Grant, over 50 faith-based organizations were set to receive critical funds to increase tree equity, combat extreme heat, and create jobs in disadvantaged communities. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative had the potential to make a lasting impact—until intentional federal funding delays brought everything to a standstill.
Over the last two weeks, we’ve had to deliver heartbreaking news to hopeful awardees, informing them that their already promised funding has been stalled. Despite recent court orders mandating the release of federal funds, nonprofits across the country are still waiting—as vital projects, and the communities relying on them, remain in limbo.
The Impact on Our Communities:
For Robin L. Murray, Green Team Leader at Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, IL, the grant was a hopeful opportunity to bring people together while addressing food insecurity and climate resilience:
“Without these vital grant funds, we’ve had to put our donation orchard plans on hold. This project was going to provide fruit and shade trees where students, church and community members could gather, relax, and harvest fruit for themselves and local food pantries. We hope that all becomes clear, so that we can move forward with this important work for all of God’s creation.”
Similarly, in Wisconsin, the funding delay has affected more than just tree planting—it has disrupted workforce development opportunities for local youth. Dena Eakles, President of Echo Valley Hope in Vernon County, WI, shared the deep impact on her community:
“The pause on the Tree Canopy Grant didn’t just delay tree planting, it put on hold opportunities for the youth at the heart of this project. For four years, they would have been paid to plant and care for trees while receiving environmental education from dedicated community volunteers. This grant was about more than preservation; it was about fostering connections, empowering young people, and strengthening our community.”
In Indianapolis, the stalled funds have jeopardized both workforce development and public health initiatives. Shana Cash, Director of Health & Wellness at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, emphasized the urgent need for these resources:
“Without these grant funds, we’ve had to put our community tree-planting efforts on hold, which directly affects planned workforce development experiences for our students, thus jeopardizing our summer food fellowship. In addition, this initiative was going to provide much-needed greenspace in the community, which research has shown significantly increases safety and improves mental health among residents. We’re hopeful for clarity soon so we can move forward with this critical work.”
A Broader Crisis in Federal Environmental Funding
These stories highlight what’s at stake—community well-being, economic opportunity, and environmental resilience. The communities most affected by these delays are the same ones already facing disproportionate impacts from climate change, pollution, and disinvestment.
Faith in Place and our grantees are not alone. Across the country, nonprofits are facing similar funding uncertainties due to executive actions that have paused or delayed disbursements for various programs under the Inflation Reduction Act. These grants were intended to support local climate resilience projects, workforce development, and environmental justice initiatives.
Nonprofits like Faith in Place and our partners are ready to implement solutions, but without access to already allocated funds, critical programs will remain in jeopardy.
Faith in Place stands with our grantees and the countless other nonprofits facing similar challenges across the country. We urge federal decision-makers to release these funds without further delay. Our communities cannot afford to wait.
We will continue to uplift the voices of those affected and advocate for the resources they need to thrive. If you want to support this work, we encourage you to share these stories, reach out to your representatives, and join us in pushing for a government that truly works for the people.
The time for action is now!