In cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Forestry Grant Program (CFG).
Donor Name: Texas A&M Forest Service
State: Texas
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/14/2025
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Texas A&M Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Program helps communities develop sustainable programs that provide Texans with healthy trees and forests. These competitive grants are designed to establish sound urban and community forestry principles that promote the protection and enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems throughout the state of Texas. By applying for a Community Forestry Grant, applicants can not only make a positive environmental impact but also contribute to the well-being, resilience, and sustainability of the communities they serve.
Grant Program Objectives
- Integrate Urban and Community Forestry into all scales of planning.
- Promote the role of Urban and Community Forestry in human health and wellness.
- Cultivate diversity, equity, and leadership within the Urban Forestry community.
- Strengthen community forest health and biodiversity for long-term resilience.
- Improve Urban and Community Forest management, maintenance, and stewardship.
- Diversify, leverage, and increase funding for Urban and Community Forestry.
- Increase public awareness and environmental education to promote stewardship.
- Prioritize projects focusing work on extreme heat mitigation, urban wood utilization, urban food forests and workforce development.
2025 Matching Grant Categories
- CATEGORY 1 – Climate Resiliency
- The Climate Resiliency grant category is designed to support projects that focus on enhancing the adaptability of urban ecosystems to create more climate-resilient and sustainable Texas communities. With changing environmental conditions, native trees and forests are becoming more vulnerable to pests and diseases and frequent extreme weather events. Grants in this category will address issues of species vulnerability and diversity, especially in historically disadvantaged communities, and develop tools and strategies that not only increase urban tree cover and the related benefits those communities will receive, but also lead to a more resilient community forest.
- CATEGORY 2 – Human Health Equity and Accessibility
- The Human Health Equity and Accessibility grant category is dedicated to supporting projects that aim to improve the well-being of communities by strategically and equitably enhancing their access to greenspaces and promoting public health. Projects funded under this category should have a demonstrable impact on public health and well-being. This could include but is not limited to initiatives that reduce air pollution, mitigate heat island effects, promote physical activity, or improve mental health through nature-based experiences. Successful projects in this category address social determinants of health and work towards creating inclusive, healthy, and vibrant environments for all residents.
- CATEGORY 3 – Municipal Forester
- The Municipal Forester grant category is designed to fund a qualified city forester/arborist position, in a city that has not yet had one, to help support local capacity and advance urban and community forestry initiatives at the local level. The applicant should outline the specific roles and responsibilities of the Municipal Forester position within their organization. This may include duties like community forest management, tree planting, care and maintenance, policy.
- CATEGORY 4 – Workforce Development
- The Workforce Development category is designed to train citizens and students in essential skills for community tree care and management. By empowering individuals with both technical skills and awareness for the value of community trees, the program aims to enhance community engagement in urban forestry efforts. Successful applicants will teach participants proper tree planting, maintenance, and management techniques through hands-on learning experiences such as workshops and projects. Collaboration with local industry professionals is encouraged to connect participants with job opportunities and enhance their readiness for careers in urban forestry. While career pathways are prioritized, the primary goal is to foster a well-informed community that actively contributes to the health and sustainability of urban forests.
- CATEGORY 5 – Tree Planting
- The Tree Planting grant category is dedicated to supporting initiatives that increase urban and community tree canopy coverage, engage the community, and promote the many benefits of trees in built environments. This category plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities and towns by improving environmental conditions, resilience, and public health. Funding will be given to communities that implement tree planting programs that address one or more urban sustainability issues identified in the Texas Forest Action Plan, specifically climate, energy consumption, and water quality.
2025 Matching Waiver Grant Categories
- CATEGORY 6 – Community Greening Transformations
- The purpose of this grant is to drive transformative placemaking projects in Texas’ most vulnerable communities through the strategic expansion of tree canopies. Community forestrybased placemaking involves integrating trees and green spaces into planning to create vibrant, functional, and meaningful community spaces. This approach harnesses the benefits of community forestry to enhance public spaces, address local needs such as excessive heat, all while fostering a sense of community. However, this grant will not only increase tree canopy coverage on public spaces, but also provide trees to residents, contributing to the expansion of tree canopy coverage in both public and private spaces. Recipients will equip residents with the knowledge and tools necessary for successful tree care. By combining the provision of trees with comprehensive support and training, the program aims to create enduring, positive impacts on community spaces and strengthen local environmental resilience.
Funding Information
- CATEGORY 1 – Climate Resiliency: $50,000
- CATEGORY 2 – Human Health Equity and Accessibility: $50,000
- CATEGORY 3 – Municipal Forester: $100,000 with phased funding over three years
- CATEGORY 4 – Workforce Development: up to $50,000 each
- CATEGORY 5 – Tree Planting: up to $20,000 each
- CATEGORY 6 – Community Greening Transformations: $2,375,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Units of local governments (city, town, county)
- Non-profit organizations (501c3) in good standing
- Tribal entities
- State government agencies
- Educational institutions (ISDs, Colleges and Universities)
- Public utility districts (PUD, MUD, etc.)
- Other organizations, such as volunteer groups, neighborhood associations or civic groups which are not 501(c)3 are eligible but must apply in partnership with a nonprofit organization or with their local government.
For more information, visit Texas A&M Forest Service.
