Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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-profit groups may apply; 501(c)3 status is not a requirement for this program. **Please note: this grant program is managed and offered by the Connecticut Urban Forestry Council (CUFC) and not by DEEP. Please visit the program's website for further details and contact information.**

 

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 Fall 2023 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  Early in 2024 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 Mid-2024  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 Mid-2024 No match requirement Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Community Forestry Small Grants  Municipalities, 501(c)3 organizations, and volunteer groups  Various  Spring 2024 50:50 match requirement US Forest Service Consolidated Payment Grant

*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. 

Visit this page to see examples of past projects that we have funded in Connecticut.

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, no registration required. Participants are welcome to drop-in at any point within the hour-long session.  Meeting dates, times, and links are listed below, check back periodically for additional Office Hour Dates. 

Content last updated in March 19, 2024.