Deadline: 31-Mar-23
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is seeking applications for its Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program to fund projects which lead to more effective and efficient management of urban and community forests and improve public understanding of the benefits of preserving existing tree cover in communities.
The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program program is made possible through the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry Program. The RIDEM Division of Forest Environment (DFE) is responsible for the administration of the grant program and for the distribution of these funds to municipalities and non-profit organizations.
Goals and Objectives
Grants are awarded for a range of urban forestry projects. These projects must be reflective of the needs of the community and should demonstrate the community’s commitment to urban forestry. There are 3 focused categories and applications must identify which category best describes the proposal.
- Municipal Urban Forestry Planning This category is provided to encourage improved management of a community’s forest. Priority will be given to projects that enhance a local government’s ability to maintain a comprehensive urban management program. This category is meant to advance urban forestry practices at the local level, engaging residents and staff in understanding the benefits of urban forestry and managing proactively. Grant funding may assist with:
- Conducting a tree inventory and analysis.
- Conducting an urban tree canopy (UTC) assessment.
- Conducting an i-Tree Eco study (or similar type of analysis).
- Creating an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) management plan, survey, and/or detection program.
- Promoting the use of trees as green infrastructure, such as in reducing storm water runoff, air pollution reduction, or the mitigation of the urban island effect.
- Initiating or completing a comprehensive municipal forest plan, or other similar project.
- Education and Outreach
- Projects submitted under the Education and Outreach category should aim to advance skills and practical knowledge for municipal staff, local residents or other groups. Events may be associated with other events such as Arbor Day or Earth Day celebrations or a community tree-planting or tree-care event. Documentation of attendees must be included when requesting reimbursement, sample sign-in formats are available on the UCF webpage. Grant funding may support:
- Public Education/Workshops – Funds may be used to conduct local seminars, training sessions and workshops regarding arboriculture and/or community forestry topics. Funds may cover brochure development, mailings, speaker fees, audio/visual equipment rental and related costs.
- Youth and/or Environmental Equity Programs – Funds may be used for educational and awareness efforts targeted to youth audiences or underserved groups and designed to enhance an understanding of community trees and forests.
- In-House Training and Continuing Education – Intended to enhance the technical skills of individuals involved in planning, development and maintenance of community forests. Proposals may include costs associated with attending an educational event (registration, travel, and lodging expenses) and/or the purchase of reference materials for self-study.
- Municipal Urban Tree Planting
- This category is provided to facilitate strategic planting and maintenance of community trees for public benefits. Projects must show robust engagement with residents, community involvement, and public support. Priority will be given to projects with a community education and outreach component. The following is required when any tree planting funds are requested:
- The proposal must be submitted by the municipality or by a closely allied organization partnering with the municipality. The following grant funding limits have been established for the purchase of trees:
- Tree City USA Communities – $3,000 limit for purchase of trees.
- Other Communities and Organizations – $1,500 limit for purchase of trees.
Funding Information
- Requests for assistance should range between $2,000 and $10,000. Funds are to be used to enhance or expand existing programs or to initiate new program development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Grant funds may be awarded to any unit of local or state government, public educational institutions, IRS approved non-profit 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations. First-time municipal applicants and municipalities seeking Tree City USA status will be given priority for funding.
For more information, visit RhodeIslandDEM.