Community Forestry Grants

Purpose: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program established the Community Forestry Grants to build local capacity to grow, manage and care for community trees and forests; assist communities in developing and implementing sustainable urban forest programs; address equity by engaging disadvantaged and underserved communities; increase public awareness of tree benefits; foster partnerships; build technical skills; and integrate trees into climate adaptation and community resilience. Eligibility: Eligible applicants include local units of government (city, village, township, county, public libraries), federally recognized tribal governments, state agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Nonprofit applicants must provide an IRS determination letter and, if working on land they do not own, written permission from the landowning authority. Project eligibility: Projects must be urban forestry related and support the Michigan Forest Action Plan. Eligible activities include public tree inventories; urban tree canopy assessments; urban forest plans; wood utilization and climate adaptation planning; tree planting and establishment; tree pruning and young tree care; community engagement and outreach; education, training and workforce development; nursery planning and food forest establishment; and related supplies and temporary staffing. Tree planting may occur on public property (including school grounds) and on certain private property near the public right-of-way when a public benefit is provided, following program planting and care guidelines. Application process: For FY25, the program accepted applications beginning 07/22/2024, with applications due by 09/20/2024. Applicants submitted materials electronically by email, including the application questionnaire, budget, and supporting attachments. Awards were announced in November 2024. Funds are reimbursement-based and require a 1:1 non-federal match. Note: The program page indicates that due to a loss in federal funding, this grant is not being offered in 2025-2026.