Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
The TREE Fund, along with the Skiera Family, Wisconsin Arborist Association, and the International Society of Arboriculture, is now offering financial support through the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund for the Building Bridges Initiative. This initiative is designed to help arborists and urban foresters better communicate the value of trees and urban forests by engaging in collaborative research and projects with professionals from related fields.
The initiative encourages partnerships with public works officials, civil engineers, risk assessors, soil scientists, wildlife researchers, and others to highlight the broader impact of urban forestry. Research areas may include the benefits of urban forests to communities, policy development, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions, though other relevant topics are welcome.
A maximum of $30,000 is available per grant, with $25,000 provided annually by the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund and $5,000 from the John White Memorial Fund. Funds may cover institutional compensation, travel, equipment, materials, contract labor, and overhead (capped at 10%). A minimum of 10% cash or in-kind matching support is required, and unrecovered institutional overhead can be used to meet this requirement.
However, the TREE Fund will not fund grants to individuals, municipal tree surveys, tree planting programs, projects focused solely on forestry or conservation in natural areas, or product testing intended for company gain.
Eligible applicants include principal investigators, co-investigators, and student assistants. Reviewers will focus on the team’s track record, the project’s potential industry contribution, the strength of the research approach, and how results will be shared with the academic and professional communities.
The application must include a project summary of up to 400 words outlining the problem, its impact, and goals. A 250-word section should describe expected outputs and measurable outcomes. Applicants must also provide a 1,000-word review of current knowledge and past research, and a 1,500-word work plan detailing methodology, design, and hypotheses.
A 300-word dissemination plan must explain how findings will be shared with both scientists and practitioners. TREE Fund encourages open access to results while also respecting the need for formal publications. Any proprietary aspects of the research must be disclosed upfront. Literature cited should follow the standard format and be listed alphabetically.
For more information, visit TREE Fund.
