Please be aware this grant opportunity is not through the NJUCF program.
Applications must be submitted on/before August 23rd by 5pm ET
The Center for Regenerative Solutions (CRS) and Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), through USDA Forest Service IRA Funding, have opened applications for capacity building and workforce development grants for communities to accelerate urban forestry through the launch and management of Community Forest Corps and Fellowship programs:
Community Forest Corps sustains tree canopy in climate-vulnerable communities by empowering and employing youth to simultaneously provide community-based tree care and protection while also gathering critical urban heat data essential to developing urban forestry-based cooling strategies.
Urban Forestry Equity Fellowship Program places individuals from diverse backgrounds in jurisdictions that have demonstrated suitable progress toward implementing urban forestry initiatives and are committed to collecting urban heat data and enhancing tree care and maintenance through Community Forest Corps.
Available Funding
Individual sub-awards will range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $600,000 total over a 3-year period, depending on the scope of work, project work areas, partnerships engaged, and capabilities of the applicant. A minimum of $5,500,000 in total funding is available. Cost-share or match is not a requirement for your sub-award agreement.
Grant Eligibility
All municipal/county-level jurisdictions, Tribes, and community-based nonprofit organizations are eligible. All work must directly impact disadvantaged communities as defined by the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map.
Resources Required for Community Forest Corps
Please review the Community Forest Corps Overview and keep these required resources in mind as you complete your Application:
- Partnerships with local organizations who have deep knowledge and experience in urban forestry, community engagement, youth employment programs, and heat data monitoring;
- A committed Employer of Record and a dedicated Program Manager with demonstrated experience in youth workforce development;
- Tree watering and maintenance equipment that can be used by youth/teens—or a need for the development of a youth-based equipment/toolset;
- Urban Forest Assessment and Plans—Site-specific urban forest data, planning tools, and planting initiatives underway;
- Develop new or leverage existing neighborhood stakeholder engagement and education strategy.
Resources Required for Urban Forestry Fellowships
Please review the Urban Forestry Fellowship Program Overview to determine your community’s ability to employ and manage a Fellow for 1-3 years. Fellowship applicants will receive an additional questionnaire to learn more about:
- The host organization: government, tribe, or community-based nonprofit committed to employing a Fellow each year for three years
- Community participation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training
- Logistical requirements of hosting a Fellow
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