Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Apply: Instructions, RFP, and Forms

GRANT APPLICANTS must download the following forms for the application process:

Helpful Hints

Unique Entity ID Requirement – replacing DUNS

The federal government has shifted from DUNS to track how federal grant money is distributed. The new UEI is maintained through the www.sam.gov site. Any applicant with a DUNS number was automatically updated to a UEI April 2022. Like the DUNS number, all sub-grantees must maintain the active status of their registration. Check the status at the time of application and prior to any reimbursement requests. https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei

Project proposals must have:

  • Clearly stated goals
  • Well-thought-out budgets, and
  • Well-planned scheduling

Project proposals should be benefit the community as a whole:

  • Utilizing volunteers and/or creating local partnerships
  • Promoting development of local community forestry programs
  • With long-term focus and benefits
  • And/or with an educational or technology transfer component

The Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Grant Program is designed to support new and innovative initiatives or expand existing programs that would not occur without grant funds. It is not intended to substitute for current funding levels.

Proposals may fit into one or more of the following categories:

This category is for communities which do not currently have a community forestry program in place or to encourage improved management of a community's forest. Priority will be given to projects that enhance a local government's ability to develop or maintain a comprehensive urban forest management program.

Grant funding may assist with Development:

  • Creation of a tree board or shade tree commission
  • Development of a tree ordinance or tree conservation/preservation ordinance
  • Holding a public meeting on the benefits of trees
  • Becoming a Tree City USA

 Grant funding may assist with Improvement:

  • Conducting a tree inventory and analysis
  • Conducting a resource assessment
  • Development of management plans or street tree master plans
  • Revising an existing tree ordinance/policy
  • Professional certification of staff

Examples of the types of projects considered:

  • In-house training and continuing education - Intended to enhance the technical skills of individuals involved in planning, development and maintenance of community forests
  • Public education/workshops - Funds may be used to conduct local seminars, training sessions and workshops regarding arboriculture and/or community forestry topics
  • Youth programs
  • Materials/brochures for public use/training

Proposals under this category must specifically demonstrate how the project will facilitate strategic planting and maintenance of community trees for public benefits. Stand-alone tree planting projects cannot be funded under this grant. All project proposals incorporating tree planting are required to be a part of a larger effort benefitting local urban forest management and public awareness/support.

Tree planting proposals must include:

  • Tree species list, including tree species, size, and number.
  • Site plan map or drawing showing the location of trees to be planted.
  • A 3-year maintenance plan, indicating who from the community is qualified and will be responsible for supervising and implementing the maintenance plan.
  • The use of volunteers and have an educational component.

 NOTE: If trees die during the contract period or during the 3-year maintenance period, they must be replaced with comparable trees at the applicant's expense. No grant money may be used to replace trees that have died.

Where awarded, funds available for tree planting projects are limited to:

  • Current Tree City USA Communities and Tree Campus USA schools may request a maximum of $3,000 for trees.
  • All other communities and organizations may request a maximum of $1,500 for trees.

Grantee Resources

Current grantees may use the appropriate form to request a reimbursement, complete required reports, or review contractual requirements. The forms necessary for successfully completing a Urban and Community Forestry Program grant are listed in your award notification and are provided below. Please download and save to your computer before completing the forms.

Match documentation that may be necessary to submit with a reimbursement request:

About the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program