Funding Available: Urban and Community Forestry Program


By Elyse Gentile | Posted on April 17, 2023

urbanforestry 2023 410

Fast Facts

Title & Opportunity Number: Inflation Reduction Act – Urban and Community Forestry, #USDA-FS-2023-UCF-IRA-01

Funding Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Forest Service)

Eligibility: States, Local government, Nonprofits, Community-based organizations, Federally Recognized Tribes, Institutions of higher education, Community-based organizations, Agency or governmental entity of an insular area, Agency or governmental agency of the District of Columbia

Funds Available: 1 billion: $100,000-$50,000,000 over five years

Application Deadline: June 1, 2023

BE AWARE: 1:1 Match (waivers available for projects with 100 percent of benefits going to disadvantaged communities)

Why: 88 percent of U.S. adults support their local park and recreation agency implementing sustainability initiatives including planting trees and native vegetation. Agencies are often at the frontline of building resilient communities and providing equitable access to tree canopies can help mitigate the effects of climate-related events, decrease ground temperature, conserve native species and much more! Additionally, tree canopies support parks and recreation agencies as community wellness hubs by improving the mental and physical well-being of community members

Grant Summary

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Urban and Community Forestry Program received a historic $1.5 billion to support urban tree planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Examples of eligible activities for these projects include (but are not limited to):

  • Fostering community engagement in forest planning, engagement and management
  • Protecting, enhancing, and expanding equitable urban tree canopy coverage
  • Protecting, enhancing, and increasing access to watersheds
  • Improving preparation for severe storms and the recovery of damaged or deteriorated landscape to be more healthy and resilient
  • Provide paid training experience for urban forestry crews and youth employment opportunities
  • Addressing exotic invasive pest species that adversely impact urban forests
  • Aid in planning, goal setting, and skill sharing with other professionals (urban planners, engineers, educators, researchers, etc.)

There will be two application assistance webinars in late April. To receive a direct invitation, please use the contact email below to express your interest.

Grant Contact Information

Urban & Community Forestry Program Inbox: SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov

Case Studies and Examples

Growing Tomorrow’s Detroit! focuses on developing green infrastructure, workforce development, and creating and maintaining green spaces. With support from this funding, they have been able to plant 135,000 trees, implement the Youth Green Corps Leadership summer program, and the Detroit Conservation Corps. The Detroit Conservation Corps focuses on education and training for adults that experience significant barriers to employment. Through the Youth Green Corps, participants are provided job training, exposure to jobs in the environmental field, and leadership skill development.

Additional Resources

 

Elyse Gentile (she/her) is the executive branch specialist at NRPA.