John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program

The John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program provides seed funding for innovative arboriculture research and technology transfer projects that can improve the daily work of arborists and advance the tree care industry.

The grant supports early-stage research ideas, exploratory projects, and new approaches that have the potential to transform arboriculture practices through scientific discovery, innovation, and practical application.

About the John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program

The John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program is administered by TREE Fund to encourage pioneering research in arboriculture. The programme was established through a bequest from John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling of Indiana to support promising research concepts that may create long-term benefits for arborists and the broader urban forestry sector.

The programme is designed to provide initial funding for research projects that are innovative, experimental, and capable of addressing emerging challenges in arboriculture.

Unlike traditional research grants that focus on established projects, this fund supports early-stage ideas that may require testing, exploration, and development before larger-scale implementation.

Why This Grant Matters

Arboriculture plays an important role in maintaining healthy trees, improving urban environments, and supporting sustainable communities. However, new challenges such as climate change, pests, diseases, changing urban landscapes, and evolving tree management practices require innovative solutions.

The Duling Endowment Fund helps researchers explore new methods and technologies that can:

• Improve tree care practices.
• Increase efficiency and safety for arborists.
• Introduce new scientific approaches.
• Support evidence-based decision-making.
• Strengthen the future of the arboriculture profession.

By investing in early research, the programme helps transform creative ideas into practical solutions for tree care professionals.

Key Areas of Support

The grant programme focuses on:

• Innovative arboriculture research projects.
• Seed funding for early-stage research.
• Technology transfer initiatives.
• Exploratory studies with transformative potential.
• New research methodologies.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to arboriculture challenges.
• Projects that can improve practical arborist operations.

Supported projects should demonstrate how new knowledge, tools, or techniques can benefit the arboriculture industry.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed for researchers and professionals developing innovative arboriculture-related projects.

Eligible applicants should propose research that:

• Aligns with TREE Fund’s mission.
• Addresses important challenges in arboriculture.
• Demonstrates potential practical benefits for tree care professionals.
• Uses a strong scientific approach.
• Includes plans for sharing research outcomes.

Early-career researchers are encouraged to apply and may strengthen their proposals by collaborating with experienced researchers as co-investigators or advisors.

Funding Uses

Funding is intended to support exploratory research activities and early development work.

Eligible uses may include:

• Testing new research concepts.
• Developing innovative research methods.
• Conducting preliminary studies.
• Exploring interdisciplinary research approaches.
• Supporting early-stage investigations.
• Developing solutions with potential industry applications.

The programme is particularly suited for projects that are promising but may not yet have sufficient evidence for larger research investments.

Research Areas Supported

Projects may focus on any area of arboriculture where innovation can create meaningful improvements.

Examples may include:

• Tree health and management.
• Urban forestry solutions.
• Arboricultural technology.
• Tree risk assessment methods.
• Sustainable tree care practices.
• New tools and techniques for arborists.
• Research approaches that improve industry knowledge.

Application Evaluation Process

Applications undergo a competitive review process managed by TREE Fund.

The review process includes:

Initial Eligibility Review

Applications are assessed to confirm:

• Applicant eligibility.
• Compliance with submission requirements.
• Alignment with TREE Fund’s mission.
• Completion of required application components.

Scientific and Impact Review

Eligible proposals are evaluated by the TREE Fund Research and Education Committee.

Reviewers consider:

• Previous achievements of the research team.
• Innovation and originality of the proposed project.
• Potential impact on the arboriculture industry.
• Quality of research methods.
• Strength of hypotheses and experimental design.
• Plans for sharing research results.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants can improve their proposals by focusing on:

• Clearly explaining the problem being addressed.
• Demonstrating why the idea is innovative.
• Showing practical benefits for arborists.
• Providing a realistic research plan.
• Including experienced collaborators when appropriate.
• Explaining how findings will be shared with researchers and industry professionals.

Strong applications should clearly connect scientific innovation with real-world improvements in arboriculture.

Restrictions and Non-Discrimination Policy

The TREE Fund follows a non-discriminatory grant-making process.

Funding decisions are not based on:

• Race.
• Colour.
• Creed.
• Gender.
• Sexual orientation.
• Disability.
• National origin.
• Ethnic background.

Current TREE Fund trustees and their family members are not eligible to receive funding through this programme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program?

The programme provides seed funding for innovative arboriculture research and technology transfer projects that can improve tree care practices and support arborists.

What type of projects does the grant support?

The grant supports early-stage research, exploratory studies, innovative approaches, and projects that introduce new methods or technologies in arboriculture.

Who can apply for this grant?

Researchers developing arboriculture-related projects that align with TREE Fund’s mission may apply. Early-career researchers are encouraged to participate.

Can early-stage research ideas receive funding?

Yes. The programme specifically supports promising early-stage concepts that require exploration and development.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed based on research quality, innovation, potential industry impact, research design, team experience, and plans for sharing findings.

Are interdisciplinary research projects eligible?

Yes. The programme encourages projects that introduce expertise from new disciplines or use interdisciplinary approaches.

Are TREE Fund trustees eligible to apply?

No. Current TREE Fund trustees and their family members are not eligible for funding under this programme.

Conclusion

The John Z. Duling and Evelyn Duling Endowment Fund Grant Program provides valuable early support for innovative arboriculture research that can shape the future of tree care. By funding creative ideas, exploratory studies, and technology transfer projects, the programme helps researchers develop practical solutions that benefit arborists, communities, and the global arboriculture industry.