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. (Part of the Investing in America Agenda)
Am I eligible?
Community-based organizations, tribes, state and local agencies, public colleges and universities, and nonprofits may apply. 100% of benefits will go to communities in greatest need. For a full breakdown of eligibility criteria in North Carolina, visit the Forest Service’s webpage here.
How can I access the money?
There are several sources of grants. Congress allocated $1.5 billion to state agencies.
North Carolina: NC has a total of $5.4 million to award over 2024 and 2025. Sign up and subscribe to receive notices of requests for applications (RFAs) on the NC Forest Service website.
South Carolina: SC has about $2 million to award through the SC Forestry Commission’s Trees4SC program. Grants will be issued to 12 cities, four each in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The next application deadline will be in December 2024. Learn more here.
The USDA has $1.3 million. For more info, email SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov.
What is the timeline?
Requests for applications will be issued January 1 and July 1 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 November 21, 2024
Other funding from the SC Forestry Commission
Urban and Community Forestry Grants – 2023 Grant Awards (2023 grant award winners may support subgrantees. Scroll down to Grant Awards to see what NC and SC municipalities have received awards. Select “National Pass Through Partner Grants” to see a list of organizations that support urban tree-planting projects.)
Partner with local urban tree organizations such as We Plant it Forward, Raleigh’s Urban Tree Planting program, and Trees Durham.
Where can I get more information?
- US Forest Service page
- NC Forest Service Urban & Community Forest Program 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
- Email the US Department of Agriculture at SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov
- North Carolina: contact Andrew Pleninger, NC Urban & Community Forest Program, andy.pleninger@ncagr.gov, 919-857-4842
- South Carolina: Matt Lee, Trees4SC, mlee@gicinc.org, 434-286-3119
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.