FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations and government entities implementing urban and community forestry projects.
Eligible recipients include cities, counties, special districts, and nonprofit organizations. Projects must take place in California and align with urban forest expansion, management, or workforce development goals.
Three project types are supported: tree planting and site preparation, long-term forest management planning, and workforce development. Match requirement is typically 75% grant / 25% local funding, though waivers are available for disadvantaged communities. Match can be in-kind.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for California organizations and government entities implementing urban and community forestry projects.
Eligible recipients include cities, counties, special districts, and nonprofit organizations. Projects must take place in California and align with urban forest expansion, management, or workforce development goals.
Three project types are supported: tree planting and site preparation, long-term forest management planning, and workforce development. Match requirement is typically 75% grant / 25% local funding, though waivers are available for disadvantaged communities. Match can be in-kind.
Program description
Please see the program’s grants web page for further details, grant guidelines, and the online concept proposal form. GRANT TYPESUrban Forest Expansion and ImprovementUrban tree planting and planting of urban vegetation to provide multiple benefits, tree and plant establishment care, and planting site preparation. In addition to tree planting, a project may also involve urban tree site improvements to create larger, more functional planting sites for trees and associated vegetation such as bio-swales and acquisition of small, vacant parcels to be improved for purposes consistent with the California Urban Forestry Act.$150,000 – $1,500,00075/25 match Urban Forest Management ActivitiesFor local governments (cities, counties, districts). Improving long-term management of urban forests to improve urban forest performance over time. Projects may involve the establishment or updating of a jurisdiction-wide tree inventory, urban forest mapping and analysis, and/or long-term management plan. May include policy integration and ordinance development. An early action tree planting component is recommended.$150,000 – $1,500,00075/25 match Urban Forestry Education and Workforce DevelopmentCreation, development, and implementation of projects to educate, train, and/or employ individuals with the purpose of preparing them for careers in urban forestry or a closely related discipline. There should be a strong emphasis on educating, training, or employing individuals from disadvantaged communities and/or unemployed individuals. Preference will be given for projects that place program participants in jobs.$150,000 – $1,500,00075/25 match *Note: match can be waived for projects serving disadvantaged communities and can be met in-kind.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for California organizations and government entities implementing urban and community forestry projects.
Eligible recipients include cities, counties, special districts, and nonprofit organizations. Projects must take place in California and align with urban forest expansion, management, or workforce development goals.
Three project types are supported: tree planting and site preparation, long-term forest management planning, and workforce development. Match requirement is typically 75% grant / 25% local funding, though waivers are available for disadvantaged communities. Match can be in-kind.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Program contact
- 📧 john.melvin@fire.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-508-2767
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 74 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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