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
Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Summary
| Grant Program | Applicant Eligibility | Eligible Project Types | Anticipated Release | Match Requirement | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations | Planning projects such as tree inventories and management plans | Winter 2024 | 50:50 match requirement | US Forest Service Consolidated Payment Grant |
| Urban Forest Equity Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations working in disadvantaged communities* | Various | Summer 2025 | No match requirement | Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) |
| Urban Forest Resilience Grant | Municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations | Tree removal and tree planting in response to forest pests and diseases | Summer 2025 | 50:50 match requirement | US Forest Service Urban Forest Resilience Grant |
| 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 2024 | No match requirement | Bipartisan Infrastructure Law |
Urban and Community Forestry Grants Office Hours
Potential grant applicants are encouraged to attend the Urban and Community Forestry Program’s virtual office hours. These are drop-in sessions; no registration is required. Attend for as long as you would like. Office hours provide a space to ask questions or brainstorm potential grant ideas with urban forestry experts.
11/21/2024 1:00 pm Join The Meeting
12/12/2024 1:00 pm Join The Meeting
01/02/2025 1:00 pm Join The Meeting
01/23/2025 1:00 pm Join The Meeting
02/13/2025 1:00 pm Join The Meeting
*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.
Examples of past projects that we have funded in Connecticut.
Content last updated on December 2024.