Apply Now: Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program

The TREE Fund and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) Grant Program supports research and development projects that improve arborist safety, climbing methods, rigging techniques, and tree care equipment. Eligible projects can receive up to $15,000 and must focus on advancing safer arboricultural practices.

Overview of the Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) Grant Program invites applications for research projects that improve safety practices and techniques used by arborists during tree care activities.

The programme is jointly supported by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to encourage research that reduces workplace risks and strengthens safety standards within the arboricultural industry.

Supported projects should contribute to safer climbing practices, improved equipment use, better hazard identification, and enhanced working conditions for tree care professionals.

Purpose of the Safe Arborist Techniques Fund

The main goal of SATF is to support research and innovation that improves arborist safety.

The programme aims to:

Develop safer arborist techniques.
Improve climbing and rigging practices.
Support research on tree work equipment.
Identify and reduce workplace hazards.
Strengthen safety standards in arboriculture.
Share knowledge with professionals and researchers.

The fund supports projects that have practical value and can improve everyday tree care operations.

Background of the SATF Programme

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund was established in 2015 as a joint initiative between TREE Fund and ISA.

The programme was created to advance research into:

Methods used by arborists.
Tools and equipment used in tree care.
Climbing and rigging activities.
Safety improvements in arboricultural work.

Through research funding, SATF supports the development of evidence-based approaches that help create safer work environments.

Research Areas Supported

The programme supports research related to:

Arborist safety.
Tree climbing techniques.
Rigging systems.
Tree care equipment.
Hazard identification.
Workplace safety improvements.
Research and development in arboriculture.
Safety knowledge transfer.

Projects should demonstrate how findings can improve professional arborist practices.

Funding Details

The SATF Grant Program provides:

Maximum Grant Amount:
$15,000

Project Duration:
Projects must normally be completed within two years from the initial fund disbursement.

Applicants should provide a realistic timeline and explain how grant funds will support project activities.

Eligible Research Approaches

TREE Fund welcomes proposals from different academic and technical disciplines.

Applications may include:

Qualitative research.
Quantitative research.
Experimental studies.
Technical research.
Applied research approaches.

Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for the arboricultural industry.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process.

Initial Screening

All applications are reviewed for:

Applicant eligibility.
Compliance with application requirements.
Word limits and submission rules.
Alignment with TREE Fund’s mission.
Completion of minimum criteria.

Eligible proposals proceed to detailed assessment.

Research and Education Committee Review

The TREE Fund Research and Education Committee evaluates eligible applications.

Reviewers assess:

Research team experience.
Project contribution to arboriculture.
Research methodology.
Experimental design.
Plans for sharing results.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on several important factors.

Research Team Capability

Reviewers consider the previous achievements, expertise, and ability of the investigative team to successfully complete the proposed research.

Industry Contribution

Projects should demonstrate potential to:

Improve arborist safety.
Reduce workplace risks.
Strengthen tree care practices.
Benefit professionals working in arboriculture.

Research Design

Strong proposals should include:

Clear research objectives.
Appropriate hypotheses.
Effective experimental methods.
Practical approaches to solving safety challenges.

Knowledge Sharing

Applicants should explain how research findings will be communicated to:

Scientific communities.
Arborists.
Tree care professionals.
Industry stakeholders.

Eligible Applicants

TREE Fund accepts research proposals from applicants working in relevant academic and technical fields.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Research capability.
Understanding of arboricultural safety issues.
Ability to complete the proposed project.
Potential contribution to industry knowledge.

Projects Not Supported

The SATF Grant Program does not support:

Grants to individuals.
Municipal tree surveys or assessments as the primary project focus.
Tree planting programmes.
Traditional forestry and timber production research.
Agroforestry studies.
Ecology and conservation research of forested or natural areas.
Product testing primarily intended to benefit a product manufacturer.

Projects should focus on advancing arborist safety and related research.

Equal Opportunity Policy

TREE Fund does not discriminate based on:

Race.
Color.
Creed.
Gender.
Sexual orientation.
Disability.
National or ethnic origin.

Current TREE Fund trustees and members of their families are not eligible to receive funding through the programme.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly describing the safety challenge being addressed.
Explaining how the project improves arborist practices.
Providing a strong research methodology.
Demonstrating practical industry benefits.
Including a clear plan for sharing findings.
Creating a realistic project timeline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing projects unrelated to arborist safety.
Failing to explain industry impact.
Providing unclear research methods.
Ignoring knowledge dissemination.
Submitting projects focused mainly on commercial product testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program?

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program supports research projects that improve safety practices, techniques, and equipment used by arborists.

Who supports the SATF Grant Program?

The programme is supported jointly by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

How much funding can applicants receive?

Selected projects can receive up to $15,000 in grant funding.

How long should funded projects take to complete?

Projects are expected to be completed within two years of the initial fund disbursement.

What types of research projects are supported?

The programme supports research on arborist safety, climbing techniques, rigging practices, equipment, hazard identification, and safer tree care methods.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The programme does not provide grants to individuals.

What projects are not eligible for funding?

Projects focused on tree planting, traditional forestry, agroforestry, municipal tree surveys, natural forest conservation, or commercial product testing are not eligible.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, research quality, team experience, industry contribution, research methods, and plans for sharing results.

Why was the SATF Grant Program created?

The programme was created to support research that improves safety and reduces risks for arborists performing tree care activities.

Conclusion

The TREE Fund Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program provides important support for research that improves safety in the arboricultural industry. By funding innovative studies on climbing methods, equipment, hazard reduction, and safer work practices, the programme helps advance safer environments for arborists and strengthens the future of professional tree care.