Trees Atlanta, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Trees Atlanta, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Atlanta's urban forest through planting, conservation, and education. Established in 1985, the organization has become a leading force in mitigating tree loss, conserving forests, and expanding the city's tree canopy. Operating primarily in the metro Atlanta area, Trees Atlanta engages a community of volunteers and partners to achieve its mission.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Trees Atlanta is to protect and improve Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. The vision is to create a community where residents and the natural world coexist in a thriving urban ecosystem that addresses environmental injustices, improves air quality, fosters better health outcomes, facilitates job opportunities, encourages social engagement, and contributes to safer and healthier neighborhoods.

Primary Area of Focus

Trees Atlanta focuses on urban forestry, emphasizing the planting and maintenance of trees, conservation of existing forests, and educational programs for both youth and adults. The organization also engages in forest restoration projects to transform overgrown greenspaces into healthy forests.

Industry Significance

As a leading nonprofit in urban forestry, Trees Atlanta plays a crucial role in enhancing the environmental quality of Atlanta. Its efforts contribute to improved air quality, reduced urban heat islands, and increased biodiversity, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Planting Trees: Increase Atlanta's tree canopy coverage by planting new trees in urban areas.

• Conservation: Protect and maintain existing forests through restoration projects and community engagement.

• Education: Provide educational programs to raise awareness about the benefits of trees and promote environmental stewardship.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Urban Forestry: Focus on planting and maintaining trees in urban settings to enhance green spaces.

• Forest Restoration: Transform overgrown greenspaces into healthy forests by removing invasive species and reintroducing native plants.

• Community Engagement: Engage volunteers and local communities in tree planting and conservation efforts.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Geospatial Mapping: Utilize GIS technology to plan and monitor tree planting and conservation projects.

• Environmental Education Tools: Develop educational materials and programs to engage the community in environmental stewardship.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Urban Areas: Focus on enhancing green spaces in Atlanta's urban neighborhoods.

• Community Engagement: Target local communities for volunteer participation and educational programs.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Trees Atlanta relies on a combination of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events to support its operations. The organization has been recognized for its financial health and transparency, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating strong performance in financial health and accountability.

Total Funds Raised

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Trees Atlanta reported total revenues of $10,633,248.

Recent Funding Rounds

In December 2021, Trees Atlanta secured $13 million in New Markets Tax Credit funding to support its new headquarters. This funding is intended to enhance the organization's capacity for tree planting, youth education, and community engagement.

Notable Investors

While specific individual investors are not publicly disclosed, Trees Atlanta has received support from various corporate sponsors, including:

• Georgia Power

• The Home Depot Foundation

• UPS Foundation

• Bank of America

• AT&T

• Microsoft

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is allocated towards:

• Headquarters Development: Establishing a new 22,000-square-foot facility to support operations.

• Tree Planting Initiatives: Enhancing capacity to plant and care for trees across metro Atlanta.

• Educational Programs: Expanding youth education and community engagement efforts.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a nonprofit organization, Trees Atlanta does not have a traditional product pipeline. Instead, its initiatives include:

• Urban Tree Planting Projects: Ongoing and upcoming tree planting events in various neighborhoods.

• Forest Restoration Programs: Projects aimed at restoring overgrown greenspaces into healthy forests.

• Educational Programs: Development and expansion of programs for youth and adults to promote environmental stewardship.

Stages of Development

• Planning: Identifying areas for tree planting and restoration.

• Implementation: Executing planting and restoration projects with community involvement.

• Maintenance: Ongoing care and monitoring of planted trees and restored forests.

Target Conditions

• Urban Heat Island Effect: Mitigating heat through increased tree canopy.

• Air Quality Improvement: Enhancing air quality by planting trees that absorb pollutants.

• Community Engagement: Fostering community involvement in environmental initiatives.

Relevant Timelines

• Short-Term (1-2 Years): Continue planting and restoration projects in identified neighborhoods.

• Medium-Term (3-5 Years): Expand educational programs and community engagement efforts.

• Long-Term (5+ Years): Achieve significant increases in urban tree canopy coverage and forest health.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Trees Atlanta utilizes proprietary methods for urban forest restoration, including:

• Invasive Species Management: Techniques for identifying and removing invasive plants to restore native ecosystems.

• Community Engagement Platforms: Tools for organizing volunteer events and educational programs.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Urban Forestry Practices: Research-driven approaches to planting and maintaining trees in urban environments.

• Environmental Education Curricula: Developed to engage various age groups in understanding and participating in urban forestry.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven technologies are not detailed, Trees Atlanta employs data-driven approaches to:

• Tree Canopy Mapping: Assessing and planning tree planting efforts.

• Community Engagement Analysis: Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and volunteer participation.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Greg Levine: Executive Director

• Professional Background: Co-Executive Director since 2011; named Executive Director in 2023.

• Key Contributions: Led the organization through significant growth and strategic initiatives.

• Connie Veates: Co-Executive Director (until 2023)

• Professional Background: Served as Co-Executive Director from 2011 until her departure in 2023.

• Key Contributions: Played a pivotal role in expanding the organization's programs and community impact.

Board of Directors

• Taylor Baird: President

• Affiliation: PwC

• Amelia Deluca: Board Member

• Affiliation: Delta Air Lines

• Berwyn J. Green: Treasurer

• Affiliation: SouthState Bank

• Channing Henderson: Board Member

• Affiliation: Integral Property Management

• Claire Gotham: Board Member

• Affiliation: Wipro

• Dan Englander: Board Member

• Affiliation: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

• Ed Crouch: Board Member

• Affiliation: BCG

• Heather Beaubien: Board Member

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