Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

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 

01/02/2024 1:00 pm Join The Meeting

01/23/2024 1:00 pm Join The Meeting 

02/13/2024 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. 

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

Content last updated on October 29, 2024.