Urban and Community Forestry Grant Opportunities
Connecticut’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is gearing up for its most robust menu of grant offerings ever! Nearly $3 million will be available through 2028 to support urban and community forestry projects through the programs outlined below. Each grant program will have different award amounts, eligibility criteria, cost-share requirements, and will support different activities.
Check back periodically for request for proposals (RFP), applications, and additional details on these programs. The Urban and Community Forestry program will be holding office hours throughout the fall to help potential applicants navigate grant program criteria and support the proposal development and application process. Check back periodically for office hours and other grant announcements.
Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program
The Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program offers funding for municipalities and non-profit organizations to pursue planning projects such as tree inventories, management plans, or other monitoring programs that will help communities to make informed management decisions. More information and how to apply for this program
Urban Forest Equity Grant Program
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, historic funding is available to municipalities, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged communities throughout Connecticut. More information and how to apply for this program
Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program
The State Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program supports efforts to restore and improve urban forests lost due to catastrophic losses from Emerald Ash Borer and other pests and diseases while building resiliency through tree diversity and the protection of existing trees. Funds can be used for management and reforestation including tree planting and tree removals. More information and how to apply for this program
Urban Forested Natural Areas and Riparian Corridor Restoration Grant Program
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding is available to address forest health issues, specifically invasive control and restoration of urban forested natural areas and riparian corridors. More information and how to apply for this program
Community Forestry Small Grants Program
The Community Forestry Small Grants Program supports small urban and community forestry projects throughout the state. Municipalities and small volunteer and non-profits groups may apply; 501(c)3 status is not a requirement for this program.
Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Summary
| Grant Program | Applicant Eligibility | Eligible Project Types | Anticipated Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations | Planning projects such as tree inventories and management plans | Fall 2023 |
| Urban Forest Equity Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations working in disadvantaged communities* | Various | Early in 2024 |
| Urban Forest Resilience Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations | Tree removal and tree planting in response to forest pests and diseases | Winter/Spring 2024 |
| Urban Forested Natural Areas and Riparian Corridor Restoration Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations | Invasive control and restoration along riparian corridors and in urban forested natural areas | Winter/Spring 2024 |
| Community Forestry Small Grants | Municipalities, 501(c)3 organizations, and volunteer groups | Various | Spring 2024 |
*Some exceptions may apply, contact DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov for more information.
Motivated by the multiple funding sources and grant categories with differing eligibility and cost-share requirements, UCF staff have worked with DEEP's Natural Resources' GIS team to develop a Grants Eligibility Map.
Grant Office Hours
DEEP Urban and Community Forestry staff will host Grants Office Hours as a chance for applicants to ask specific questions about the grant categories, application development, and submission process. These Office Hours will be held virtually using Zoom, pre-registration is required. Meeting dates, times, and links are listed below, check back periodically for additional Office Hour Dates.
- Tuesday September 19th from 3:00PM-4:00PM, registration link
- Wednesday September 27th from 10:00AM-11:00AM, registration link
The following grant office hours do not need to be registered for in advance. Feel free to drop-in at any point within the hour-long session.
- Thursday October 5th from 12:00PM-1:00PM, drop-in session
Content last updated in September 2023.