Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program 23-DG-11094200-327
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Sep 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that plan, establish, manage, and protect trees and green spaces in urban and community settings. Eligible applicants typically include city and town governments, nonprofit organizations, and grassroots groups working on urban forestry projects. Projects must provide ecosystem services and social or economic benefits to communities. Activities supported include tree planting, forest management, green space restoration, and related natural resource work in and around cities and towns.
Geographic preference is given to Illinois applicants, as the program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. However, funding scope may extend to adjacent areas or regions with demonstrable need. Applicants should confirm location requirements with the administering agency.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
To plan for, establish, manage and protect trees, forests, green spaces and related natural resources in and adjacent to cities and towns. The urban and community forestry program provides ecosystem services, social and economic benefits. It links these benefits to governmental, private and grassroots organizations and resources to improve the quality of life in these cities and towns. Inflation Reduction Act Federal Assistance Listing: 10.727. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-00-3629).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Work Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost-Share Documentation (letters of commitment from partners)
- Management and Maintenance Plan
- Letters of Support from community stakeholders and local government
Program contact
- 👤 Adrian Walker
- 📧 Adrian.walker2@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-524-9628
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.727 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$55,000,000
-
$43,200,000
-
$28,000,000
-
$25,000,000
-
$25,000,000
-
$22,857,196
-
$21,750,000
-
$20,000,000
-
$18,000,000
-
$17,000,000
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $108.6M
- NY 8 awards $60.7M
- TX 3 awards $51.8M
- OR 3 awards $38.6M
- HI 3 awards $34.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
City and town governments, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations working on urban forestry and green space projects are eligible. Tribal nations and conservation groups may also qualify depending on project location and scope.
What activities does this grant fund?
Funding supports tree planting, forest management, green space restoration, and ecosystem projects in urban and community areas. Projects must provide clear environmental, social, or economic benefits.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Applicants must secure matching funds or in-kind contributions. Specific match percentages vary by project type and funding level.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $200,000 to $5,000,000 depending on project scope and competitiveness. Total available funding for this cycle is $5,000,000.
When is the deadline?
This is a rolling deadline program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for current submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to ecosystem services and measurable community benefits. Quantify outcomes like trees planted, acres restored, or residents served.
- Build partnerships with local government, nonprofits, and community groups to strengthen your application. Cost-sharing partners are critical for competitiveness.
- Provide a detailed management plan that shows how you will maintain trees and green spaces long-term. One-time projects are less competitive than sustained programs.
- Align your project with climate resilience, air quality, or public health goals. Inflation Reduction Act funding prioritizes climate-related outcomes.
- Start early on cost-sharing documentation. Secure written commitments from partners before submitting your full application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack detailed community benefit metrics or focus only on tree planting without demonstrating long-term management and sustainability. Insufficient cost-sharing documentation or unclear partner commitments reduce competitiveness. Projects that ignore climate adaptation or fail to connect forestry work to broader environmental or social outcomes rarely succeed.
Similar grants
- ROLLING UCF – Urban and Community Forestry Program (FY24) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING Illinois State Forest Action Plan (Urban) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- OPEN 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program — Forest Service
- OPEN Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program — Forest Service
- OPEN Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program — Forest Service