Community Forestry Grants

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, offers the Community Forestry Grant (CFG) program. The primary purpose is to provide financial and technical assistance to build local capacity to manage community trees and forests, implement sustainable forestry programs, address environmental justice and equity in disadvantaged communities under the Justice40 initiative, enhance public awareness, foster cross-sector partnerships, and incorporate urban forestry into climate resilience and the Michigan Forest Action Plan.

Eligible entities include local governments, federally recognized tribes, state agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Applicants that have not received a grant through the DNR or USDA Forest Service UCF programs in the last three years are prioritized for funding. Tree planting on private property is allowed within 20 feet of a public right-of-way if it provides a public benefit and includes a signed landowner agreement and liability waiver.

Eligible activities span five major categories: Assessment and Data (tree inventories, canopy assessments); Planning and Management (urban forest management plans, climate adaptation plans, nursery business plans); Tree Planting and Establishment (nursery stock purchase, planting, and up to two years of establishment care); Tree Maintenance and Care (proactive pruning, young tree care); and Engagement, Education, and Training (workshops, tree steward programs, staff arborist certifications). All tree planting projects must adhere to genus diversity requirements and include a detailed 3-year maintenance plan. Ineligible activities include equipment purchases of $5,000 or more, pass-through regranting programs, construction and capital investments, land acquisition, and basic research.

Applications must be submitted electronically as a PDF packet via email to Kevin Sayers, UCF Program Manager, at SayersK@michigan.gov by the published deadline. Submissions must include the completed application questionnaire, a detailed project budget showing the required 1:1 non-federal match, and supporting attachments such as site maps, planting diagrams, contractor quotes, and letters of commitment.