– Urban and Community Forestry Program (FY24)
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois communities seeking technical and financial assistance with urban and community forestry management. Eligible applicants typically include municipalities, parks departments, and community organizations working on tree care and related natural resource projects. The program supports activities like tree planting, forest management planning, and urban canopy expansion. Funding is administered by Illinois DNRS and requires cost-sharing from the applicant.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for Illinois communities seeking technical and financial assistance with urban and community forestry management. Eligible applicants typically include municipalities, parks departments, and community organizations working on tree care and related natural resource projects. The program supports activities like tree planting, forest management planning, and urban canopy expansion. Funding is administered by Illinois DNRS and requires cost-sharing from the applicant.
Program description
Technical and financial assistance to the state’s communities on the management of their trees and other related natural resources. USDA Forest Service Core Funding Federal Assistance Listing: 10.675. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0096).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Illinois communities seeking technical and financial assistance with urban and community forestry management. Eligible applicants typically include municipalities, parks departments, and community organizations working on tree care and related natural resource projects. The program supports activities like tree planting, forest management planning, and urban canopy expansion. Funding is administered by Illinois DNRS and requires cost-sharing from the applicant.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (via Illinois GATA system)
- Project narrative with forestry management plan
- Budget and cost-sharing documentation
- Evidence of local support or partnership
- Organization capacity statement
Program contact
- 👤 Brunk, Michael
- 📧 Michael.Brunk@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.675 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,892,328
-
$2,026,000
-
$1,960,000
-
$1,865,754
-
$1,840,227
-
$1,587,966
-
$1,420,796
-
$1,293,650
-
$1,110,424
-
$1,032,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 8 awards $7.3M
- IL 2 awards $4.0M
- MN 6 awards $3.6M
- PA 6 awards $3.0M
- MI 4 awards $3.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois cities, villages, parks districts, and nonprofit organizations managing trees or forests in urban and community settings. Check the Illinois CSFA catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.
Is there a deadline?
This is a rolling program with no fixed deadline. Applications may be accepted on a continuous basis.
What activities does this grant support?
Tree planting, forest management planning, canopy assessments, and technical assistance for managing community trees and natural resources.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes. Applicants must provide matching funds or in-kind contributions to support their project.
How much can I apply for?
Award amounts vary. Contact Illinois DNRS for specific funding ranges and current availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact Illinois DNRS early to clarify local priorities and what proportion of costs they will cover.
- Develop a detailed forestry management plan showing how your project improves tree canopy or forest health.
- Document your cost-sharing commitment clearly, including in-kind contributions like volunteer hours or donated materials.
- Focus on community benefit and long-term stewardship in your narrative.
- Work with local government partners to strengthen your application and ensure local support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project goals without specific tree-planting targets or measurable forest outcomes. Weak cost-sharing plans that underestimate community contribution or fail to show genuine local investment. Poorly documented technical capacity to manage the forestry project long-term.
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