A major grant funding opportunity is now available from the US Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program. Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is available to provide technical assistance or letters of support for applications. The program aims to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in urban and community forests where more than 84% of Americans live, work and play. Examples of eligible activities for projects include tree planting, community forest planning and management, increasing tree canopy, arboriculture training and work force development. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests.

The grant funding is available to community-based organizations, federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native corporations/villages, municipal and state governments, nonprofit partners, universities, and other eligible entities. This historic level of investment will enable the Forest Service to support projects to improve public health and deliver real economic and ecological benefits to cities, towns and tribal communities across the country.  

“This is a great opportunity for Alaskans to get funding for proactive community projects,” said State Forester Helge Eng. “This can help improve forest health conditions, forest resilience, access to tree benefits, and broaden access to career pathways in forestry.” 

For information on how to apply for federal Urban and Community Forestry grants, visit the Forest Service website, or www.grants.gov using the opportunity number USDA-FS-2023-UCF-IRA-01. For more information on funding to states and territories, visit the state allocations webpage. To learn how to apply for state or territory-administered subgrants, contact local state forestry agencies. 

The final funding amount will depend on the total funding requested from proposals and their potential impact on disadvantaged communities. The open application period extends from April 12, 2023 to June 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.