Applications open for Jack Kimmel International Grant Program

The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program provides funding of up to USD 10,000 for arboriculture and urban forestry research conducted primarily outside the United States. Administered by TREE Fund with participation from the Canadian TREE Fund, the program supports research that advances scientific knowledge, improves tree care practices, and delivers practical benefits to the global arboriculture industry.

About the Jack Kimmel International Grant Program

The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program is administered by TREE Fund, in partnership with the Canadian TREE Fund, to support high-quality research in arboriculture and urban forestry conducted primarily outside the United States.

The program honors the legacy of Jack Kimmel, the former Director of Parks for the City of Toronto, who dedicated 46 years to advancing the arboriculture profession through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and its Ontario chapter.

The grant encourages innovative research that generates practical solutions for tree care professionals, urban foresters, municipalities, researchers, and the broader arboriculture community.

Program Objectives

The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program aims to:

• Support international arboriculture and urban forestry research.
• Advance scientific knowledge related to tree health and urban forests.
• Encourage research with practical applications for the arboriculture industry.
• Improve tree management and urban forestry practices.
• Promote collaboration among researchers and industry professionals.
• Support the dissemination of research findings to scientific and professional audiences.

Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Arboriculture research
• Urban forestry
• Tree health and management
• Tree care practices
• Urban tree conservation
• Scientific research benefiting the arboriculture sector
• Applied research with industry relevance
• Knowledge sharing and research dissemination

Grant Amount

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to USD 10,000 per project.
• Funding is awarded based on the project’s quality, relevance, and potential impact.
• Each project is eligible to receive only one award under this program.

Project Duration

• Projects should generally be completed within one to two years.

Eligible Applicants

Researchers are eligible to apply if:

• Their research is conducted primarily outside the United States.
• Their project aligns with the objectives of the Jack Kimmel International Grant Program.
• The research benefits the arboriculture and urban forestry community.
• The proposal satisfies all program eligibility and submission requirements.

Eligible Research Activities

The program supports research that:

• Advances arboriculture science.
• Improves urban forestry practices.
• Addresses industry challenges through scientific investigation.
• Generates practical recommendations for tree care professionals.
• Produces evidence-based knowledge applicable to the tree care industry.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are reviewed in multiple stages.

Eligibility Review

The initial review verifies:

• Applicant eligibility.
• Compliance with submission requirements.
• Alignment with the TREE Fund mission.
• Satisfaction of the program’s minimum eligibility criteria.

Technical Evaluation

Eligible proposals are evaluated based on:

• Previous research accomplishments of the investigative team.
• Scientific quality of the proposed research.
• Strength of hypotheses and experimental design.
• Potential contribution to arboriculture and urban forestry.
• Practical value for the tree care industry.
• Quality of the research dissemination plan.

Why This Grant Matters

Urban forests play an essential role in improving environmental sustainability, biodiversity, climate resilience, and public health. High-quality research helps develop better methods for tree management, disease prevention, risk assessment, and urban planning.

Through this grant, TREE Fund encourages researchers worldwide to generate evidence-based solutions that directly benefit communities, municipalities, and the professional arboriculture sector.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Confirm that your research will be conducted primarily outside the United States.
2. Develop a research proposal addressing an important arboriculture or urban forestry challenge.
3. Prepare a strong scientific methodology, including hypotheses and experimental design.
4. Demonstrate the practical value of the research for the arboriculture industry.
5. Include a dissemination plan explaining how results will be shared with researchers and tree care professionals.
6. Submit the complete application according to the program guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

• Focus on research with practical industry applications.
• Present a clear research question and measurable objectives.
• Use a robust experimental design and sound scientific methods.
• Demonstrate how the findings will improve arboriculture or urban forestry practices.
• Include experienced collaborators or advisors if you are an early-career researcher.
• Develop a realistic project timeline and dissemination strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Submitting projects conducted primarily within the United States.
• Providing weak or unclear research objectives.
• Using insufficient scientific methodology.
• Failing to explain the practical value of the research.
• Omitting a plan for sharing research findings.
• Ignoring application requirements or submission instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Jack Kimmel International Grant Program?

Researchers whose projects are conducted primarily outside the United States and align with the program objectives are eligible to apply.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Applicants may receive funding of up to USD 10,000 per project.

How long can funded projects last?

Projects are generally expected to be completed within one to two years.

What research fields are supported?

The program supports research in arboriculture, urban forestry, tree management, tree health, and related scientific areas.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on researcher qualifications, scientific quality, research methodology, industry relevance, and plans for sharing research findings.

Can early-career researchers apply?

Yes. Early-career researchers are encouraged to apply and are advised to strengthen their applications by including experienced researchers as collaborators or advisors.

Can a project receive multiple awards under this program?

No. Each project may receive only one award through the Jack Kimmel International Grant Program.

Conclusion

The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program offers an excellent opportunity for researchers outside the United States to advance arboriculture and urban forestry through high-quality scientific research. With funding of up to USD 10,000, the program supports innovative projects that generate practical solutions for tree care professionals, strengthen urban forest management, and contribute valuable knowledge to the global arboriculture community. Researchers with impactful, scientifically rigorous proposals are encouraged to apply and help shape the future of sustainable urban forestry.