Funding to plant and maintain trees and create green spaces in urban communities and neighborhoods in greatest need.
What does this funding get me?
Community engagement in urban forestry planning that creates projects to plant and maintain trees, expand tree canopy, increase access to nature, and mitigate extreme heat, while developing and employing a new skilled workforce.
Am I eligible?
Community-based organizations, state and local agencies, public colleges and universities, and nonprofits may apply. 100% of benefits will go to communities in greatest need.
How can I access the money?
There are several sources of grants. Congress allocated $1.5 billion to state agencies.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’s Urban and Community Forestry Program — formerly known as TreeVitalize:
- Helps communities plan for, plant, and care for trees
- Offers educational opportunities about the benefits of trees and the importance of proper planting and tree care.
The USDA has $1.3 million. For more info, email SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov.
What is the timeline?
All 2023 funds have been allocated. Requests for applications will be issued in January and July of 2024 and 2025. Grant money must be spent by the end of 2026.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
EPA’s Community Change Grants Program – apply by Nov 2024
Urban and Community Forestry Grants – 2023 Grant Awards (2023 grant award winners may support subgrantees. Scroll down to Grant Awards to see which Pennsylvania municipalities have received awards. Select “National Pass Through Partner Grants” to see a list of organizations that support urban tree-planting projects.)
Where can I get more information?
- US Forest Service page
- USDA invests $1 billion for nearly 400 projects to expand access to trees and green spaces in communities and neighborhoods nationwide through Investing in America agenda
- Urban and Community Forestry Grants, infographic ( 3 graphics)
- Forest Service, Urban and Community Who We Are (slide show, 10 slides)
- Urban and Community Forestry Program
- Award Administration Guide for Grantees
- The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD) Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH), and Environmental Finance Center (EFC), alongside multiple community-based partners will lead the Region 3 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center for the Mid-Atlantic region. The NWF is also extending its Region 3 community presence through community hubs such as the Overbrook Education Center in Pennsylvania. To inquire about Technical Assistance regarding the EJ Communities Grantmaking Program, contact the NWF at (202) 792-5350 or 1-800-757-1405, or email region3tctac@gmail.com. For more information, visit NWF’s website here.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Matt Salton at cleanenergy@conservationpa.org.
- Email the US Department of Agriculture at SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov