National Tree Planting Day 2026 – Call for Proposals
IN WHICH CATEGORIES CAN APPLICATIONS BE SUBMITTED?
• For municipalities, institutions, and organizations for Miyawaki mini-forest sites.
• For educational institutions and organizations for planting sites with 3–5 trees.
• For municipalities for other green space development.
The application announcement is also available for download in PDF.
1. PURPOSE OF THE APPLICATION
The 10 Million Trees Foundation (hereinafter: 10 Million Trees) announces a call for applications as part of the national action for the National Tree Planting Day in 2026 (hereinafter: NTD 2026).
The purpose of the application is to implement tree plantings and green space developments in every region of the country during the 2026 event. Municipalities, institutions, and civil organizations can all join the initiative.
10 Million Trees aims to draw the public’s attention to the importance of collective action against the negative effects of climate change by facilitating broad participation, while also contributing to the increase of green areas in the country.
Background: The first National Tree Planting Day held on March 1, 2025, concluded with unprecedented collaboration and remarkable results: 100,000 trees planted, 13,000 volunteers, 300 locations, 50 companies, and 6 strategic partners. In 2026, we aim for even more participants and even more trees to be planted. A more detailed description of the National Tree Planting Day can be found in Appendix 1.
1.2. Application Categories
1.2.1. Establishment of Miyawaki mini-forests*:
*The Miyawaki method is a forest planting technique that creates extremely fast-growing, high-biodiversity “mini-forests” using native tree species and shrubs planted at high density over a small area. The characteristics of mini-forests include:
• can be implemented on small areas, even as little as 40–100 m²,
• grow significantly faster than average,
• create a closed, self-sustaining green area effective against urban heat island effects within a few years.
A more detailed description of creating Miyawaki mini-forests can be found in Appendix 2.
The deadline for submitting applications is: January 11, 2026, 24:00
1.2.2. Institutional tree planting:
The deadline for submitting applications is: January 11, 2026, 24:00
1.2.3. Other municipal green space development:
The deadline for submitting applications is: January 11, 2026, 24:00
2. ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANTS
Eligible applicants include:
• municipalities and institutions maintained by municipalities,
• civil organizations that would plant on their own owned or maintained land, or have ownership permission for the planting area,
• educational and social institutions that would plant on their institutional grounds.
Ineligible applicants include:
• political parties, political organizations,
• organizations participating in the political party’s campaign.
3. THE FORM, AMOUNT, AND METHOD OF PAYMENT OF SUPPORT
The support is project funding, which may include:
• material components (e.g., saplings, protective equipment, planting materials),
• pre-financed monetary contributions (e.g., costs of saplings, planting materials, planting work, equipment rental fees, etc.).
The monetary support will be paid by 10 Million Trees in the manner specified in the funding agreement, in at least two installments.
3.1. Total Funding for the Application
Establishment of Miyawaki mini-forests:
In this category, 10 Million Trees will allocate a minimum of 9 million HUF in support for the implementation of at least 3 Miyawaki mini-forests, unless fewer applications that meet the criteria are received.*
For each project, a minimum of 2,500,000 HUF and a maximum of 4,000,000 HUF can be requested as support.
Institutional afforestation:
In this category, 10 Million Trees will allocate a minimum of 5 million HUF in support for the implementation of at least 10 institutional afforestation projects, unless fewer applications that meet the criteria are received.*
For each project, a minimum of 300,000 HUF and a maximum of 700,000 HUF can be requested as support.
Other municipal green space development:
In this category, 10 Million Trees will allocate at least 5 million HUF in support for the implementation of at least 4 green space development projects, unless fewer applications that meet the criteria are received.*
For each project, a minimum of 800,000 HUF and a maximum of 2,000,000 HUF can be requested as support.
The final total amount of support for each project will be determined by the board, within the above ranges, depending on the quality of the submitted applications and the available resources.
* The total funding amount per topic may be higher, and the number of winning projects may also be greater if more funding is available in the National Tree Planting Day campaign than described above.
4. APPLICATION CONDITIONS, SUBMISSION METHOD, AND SUPPLEMENTATION
4.1. Content Elements of the Application
The submission of the application consists of two steps:
• The necessary data must be filled out online on the application form.
• The following documents must be sent via email as an attachment, or using a service suitable for sending large files, to the email address of 10 Million Trees (nemzetifaultetesnapja@10milliofa.hu):
Project description in pdf or docx format, which must include the following:
• a brief introduction about the organization,
• project description: objectives, implementation location, planned planting quantity, number of volunteers that can be involved,
• detailed budget plan, clearly indicating the material and monetary components,
• timeline,
• communication plan: on which platforms and how many times the applicant organization will report on the event,
• declaration of own resources and cooperating partners (if relevant).
Utility map from the planting area – in pdf, png, or jpg format.
Declaration stating that the applicant is the owner and/or manager, tenant of the area to be planted – in pdf, png, or jpg format.
Owner’s consent, if the applicant is not the owner and/or manager, tenant of the area to be planted – in pdf, png, or jpg format.
4.2. Method of submitting the application
The application can be submitted electronically via the provided online form, and the supplementary materials should be sent via email or through a system suitable for sending large files to the Foundation’s email address by the deadline specified in the announcement.
Official application email address: nemzetifaultetesnapja@10milliofa.hu
Online form: https://forms.gle/6uD4e7HveMmF2q3e9
Formatting suggestions:
• file format: pdf, png, jpg, or docx,
• email subject: e.g. “NFN 2026 application – [category] – [organization name]”,
• the suggested maximum length of the project description: 4–5 pages (excluding attachments).
The application is considered submitted if the online form has been filled out, and the listed documents are received through the above channels by the specified deadline.
4.3. Procedure for supplementing missing documents
In the case of an incomplete application, 10 Million Trees may request the applicant to supplement the missing documents.
• Supplementation can be done once, within 5 calendar days from the receipt of the request.
• The supplementation must be sent via email to the official application address.
• The board may decide to allow further supplementation in justified cases.
If the supplementation is not completed or is completed inadequately, the application may be deemed invalid.
5. EVALUATION AND DECISION-MAKING
5.1. Evaluation criteria
The evaluation will be conducted by the board of 10 Million Trees based on the following main criteria:
• the professional basis and sustainability of the project,
• the degree of community involvement,
• the environmental benefit (e.g. number of trees planted, type of area),
• the realism of the financial plan and the proportion of voluntary contributions,
• committed own contribution, which can be financial or other resources (e.g. human resources, machinery, compost, etc.),
• territorial balance: we keep in mind that planting should be realized in all regions of the country,
• preference may be given to those who applied for the NFN in 2025 but did not receive funding,
• preference will be given to those who take part in protecting our environment outside of NFN events, especially if they do so within the framework of 10 Million Trees.
5.2. Evaluation procedure, appeal
The submitted applications will be evaluated by the board of the 10 Million Trees Foundation.
The board’s decision is final, and there is no right to appeal against the funding decision.
All applicants will receive written notification of the decision.
5.3. Procedure for concluding the funding contract
The supported applicants will enter into a grant agreement with 10 Million Trees.
We will inform the successful applicants about the detailed process of signing the grant agreement simultaneously with the notification of the decision.
The grant agreement includes the precise conditions for implementation and accounting, deadlines, communication obligations, as well as the consequences of improper use.
5.4. Evaluation and Decision Deadlines
The applications will be evaluated by the Board of Trustees of the 10 Million Trees Foundation by January 20, 2026, after which all applicants will be promptly notified of the results.
6. IMPLEMENTATION, MAINTENANCE, ACCOUNTING, AND REPORTING OF PROJECTS
6.1. Deadline for Implementation
The project must be implemented within the framework of the National Tree Planting Day in 2026, expectedly on March 1, 2026, or within the two days preceding it.
The exact date and detailed schedule will be specified in the grant agreement.
6.2. Maintenance Obligation
The applicant undertakes to ensure the care of the planted trees and plants for at least 3 years (watering, replacement, restoration in case of damage, etc.).
The applicant is responsible for maintenance unless otherwise stipulated in the grant agreement.
6.3. Accounting and Professional Reporting
Accounting for the supported projects must be done in two phases; geotagged photos must be uploaded on the planting day in the manner specified in the grant agreement, and a detailed professional report supplemented with geotagged photos must be submitted in the manner specified in the grant agreement by May 31, 2026.
The detailed conditions related to accounting are included in the grant agreement. Improper use may result in the partial or full repayment of the grant in accordance with the regulations of 10 Million Trees.
7. DATA PROCESSING AND DECLARATIONS
The personal and organizational data provided during the application process will be handled by 10 Million Trees in accordance with applicable data protection (GDPR) regulations.
The applicant declares:
• acceptance of the application conditions,
• the accuracy of the provided data.
The data processing information is available on the 10 Million Trees website at the designated link.
8. CONTACT AND INFORMATION
For further information and technical assistance during the application period:
• on the 10 Million Trees websites: www.10milliofa.hu, www.nemzetifaultetesnapja.hu
• available at the provided contact email: nemzetifaultetesnapja@10milliofa.hu.
9. FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions and answers related to the application can be found at
National Tree Planting Day 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
can be found on the page.
The call for proposals is also available for download in PDF format.
Appendix 1
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY ABOUT?
1. VISION
Every year, there should be a day when as many people as possible plant as many trees as possible.
The National Tree Planting Day is an action day in which all citizens or residents of Hungary can participate. The climate crisis and the ecological and biodiversity crisis are global issues affecting every inhabitant of the Earth. However, we can only provide a local response, the most impactful response: we invite everyone in the country, young and old, to plant trees.
“I deeply believe that Hungary needs a stirring occasion that offers a joyful solution on March 1, 2025. Come and plant a tree!”
Iván András Bojár, leader of 10 Million Trees
The 10 Million Trees community announced on April 22, Earth Day, that it will organize the National Tree Planting Day, where all Hungarians can participate alongside volunteers and occasional helpers. The climate crisis and the ecological and biodiversity crisis affect every inhabitant of the Earth, including Hungary.
“The most important thing is to love trees, that’s all there is to it!”
Vilmos Csányi, ethologist
2. NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY 2025
On the first National Tree Planting Day in Hungary
• 200 municipalities,
• 290 locations
• 12,700 volunteers participated
• 96,696 plantings took place,
New forests and Miyawaki mini-forests came to life, providing shade-giving trees for schoolyards, parks, playgrounds, and roads.
Such a large-scale environmental movement has never happened in our country before!
Nearly 30 recognized artists and public figures joined as ambassadors and participated in the plantings, including:
Ethologist Vilmos Csányi, musician and presenter Péter Geszti, comedian Gergely Litkai, actors Eszter Ónodi, Lia Pokorny, Ferenc Elek, and many others.
Appendix 2
How to create a Miyawaki mini-forest?
We will tell you step by step
What preliminary steps are necessary for the creation of a Miyawaki mini-forest?
Learn about the five essential steps needed to establish a Miyawaki mini-forest.
1. Finding a suitable location
This is often the most challenging part, as a location is needed where property rights are clear and it is ensured that the planted mini-forest can grow undisturbed for years or even decades.
The Miyawaki mini-forest grows quickly, so the saplings that look like little twigs at the time of planting can flourish as a dense green oasis after just two to three years, sometimes even in the midst of the grayest concrete jungle!
2. Securing the necessary financial resources
Depending on the extent of the necessary soil replacement and the feasibility of multi-year watering and maintenance, a Miyawaki mini-forest can cost between 50,000 and 120,000 HUF per square meter, which is important to consider during planning.
Often, a collaborating company proposes the idea of planting a mini-forest to green the city, or a local government sees potential in establishing a neighborhood pocket forest, but in many cases, mini-forests have also been created through community financing in schools and public spaces, such as the birthday Miyawaki in 2024. We can assist in creating a fundraising page that offers card payment options for such community collections.
3. Selecting plants
When compiling the list of plants and tree species, it is advisable to consult forest ecologists, gardeners, and forestry experts, as it is essential to create a community consisting of at least 12 native tree and shrub species.
4. Soil replacement
One secret to the rapid growth of the Miyawaki mini-forest is that the small trees must always be planted in improved, high-quality soil, which in an urban environment often means a complete soil replacement.
In urban areas, it is rare to find good, rich Hungarian topsoil waiting for us. In most cases, construction debris, rubble, cable remnants, or household waste lie beneath the surface.
The soil replacement ensures the often incredibly rapid growth of the planted saplings.
5. Planting
This is the best part!
About four plants are allocated per square meter; we usually plant 3 trees and 1 shrub, but it can be 3-6 individuals per square meter, allowing us to progress quickly, have time to chat, and enjoy every moment of the planting!
+1. Nurturing – Aftercare
The first years are the most critical, so we closely monitor the fate of the planted mini-forests for three years. If necessary, we water once a week during the summer heat, and if needed, we replace or repair fences and supporting stakes.
