Tribute Giving

Trees at City Park

Giving to City of Fort Collins Parks is a meaningful way to commemorate a special event, honor a loved one or show your dedication to our community.

Please note: As part of Citywide budget reductions, tribute benches with recognition plaques are unavailable for purchase at this time.

Ways to Give

Living Tribute Trees

Give a gift that will last a lifetime (literally). The City of Fort Collins’ Living Tribute Tree program is the perfect way to honor someone special. Your donation of $500 covers the cost of the tree, planting, installation and care of trees placed on City property, in parks and along trails.

What to Expect

The City of Fort Collins will make every effort to accommodate requests for desired locations. However, please keep in mind that there are other maintenance and use factors the Parks Division must consider for Tribute Trees.

The placement of trees is intended to enhance the purpose for which the park was created and will be based on landscape and facility plans. Please remember: These trees are intended as tributes, not memorials. If the terms and timelines listed in the FAQ below are not a fit with your expectations, we encourage you to seek other community options for giving.

Submit an Application for a Living Tribute Tree

Use the form below to begin the application process for a Living Tribute Tree. Once your application is submitted, a Parks staff member will contact you within three business days.

Living Tribute Tree FAQs

How much does a Living Tribute Tree cost?

Fees are approximately $500 per tree. The cost provides a deciduous tree that is approximately 2.25" in diameter or a conifer that is 6' in height, watering of the tree, and long-term maintenance and replacement fees.

Where will my tree be planted?

The tree type, species, and location are the purview of the City’s Forestry landscape and facility plan, and the department staff. 

Living Tribute trees will be located to maximize benefit to an area but minimize the impact on normal park use and maintenance operations.  

Please indicate on the application if you would like to have a tree planted in a specific park. In some cases, the City Forestry staff may need to recommend an alternate park location to you as not all parks have space for additional trees. 

The number of tree dedications within Fort Collins may, at any time, be limited or temporarily placed on hold, based on available maintenance resources such as staff, contract services, water restrictions and/or other factors. 

When will my tree be planted?

To maximize the tree’s ability to thrive and grow, we plant our trees in early spring and late fall, before the trees have leafed out or after the leaves have fallen. We will let you know when and where your tree is planted. 

The Forestry Division needs a minimum of two weeks from receipt of your living tribute request to finalize and arrange for tree planting. Donations of several trees may take longer. Tree planting is a seasonal activity and occurs primarily in the spring and fall. 

Can I come to the tree planting?

Your involvement in planting or attendance is encouraged. Living Tribute Trees are planted by Forestry Staff, who will coordinate a time for planting with you.

Who will maintain and care for my tree?

The Forestry Division supplies, plants and cares for your Living Tribute Tree. The cost of a Living Tribute Tree is $500 and provides a deciduous tree that is approximately 2.25" in diameter or a conifer that is 6' in height. 

Every effort will be made to support the tree growth, while being cognizant of nature dictating the lifespan. One replacement within the ten-year timeframe is applicable. 

FoCo Parks Forever Fund

The City’s parks and trails define the Fort Collins lifestyle. Residents enjoy more than 966 acres of developed parks, including seven community parks, 43 neighborhood/pocket parks and more than 45 miles of paved trails connecting the community. The Fort Collins park system also includes the urban tree canopy, cemeteries, medians, golf courses, ballfields and other public community spaces.

As our community grows, new parks and extended trail miles outpace the City’s funding to maintain our existing and aging parks. The FoCo Parks Forever Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, supports the long-term maintenance and upkeep in City of Fort Collins parks for generations to come. Your gift is an investment in the longevity and beauty of the local parks and trails we love.

FoCo Parks Forever Fund FAQs

Is my gift to FoCo Parks Forever tax-deductible?

The Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. To make a gift by check, make checks payable to “Community Foundation of Northern Colorado” and note the name of the fund you donate to in the memo line. Mail your check to: Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, 4745 Wheaton Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525.

Are there other types of gifts accepted to the fund?

Yes. Since 1975, the Community Foundation has made charitable giving easy, effective, and enjoyable. Our team can confidently handle gifts made in the form of non-cash donations and wire transfers.

FoCo Parks Forever is happy to accept gifts of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities. There may even be tax advantages for donating appreciated securities. Please consult with your tax adviser to determine the tax deductibility of your gift. Planned gifts also significantly benefit donors, your family, and FoCo Parks Forever. Bequests, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts offer donors a variety of ways to support your local parks.

Are our parks tax supported?

Yes, and the needs of our parks always outpace the available tax revenue needed to care for needed equipment replacement, ADA upgrades, and trail system maintenance. FoCo Parks Forever provides another source of valuable support for our parks, playgrounds and trials.

Support Fort Collins Parks

Contact CityGive to learn more about how you can support our City's beautiful parks and open spaces. 

Email

citygive@fortcollins.gov

Phone

970-221-6687

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