Community Forestry Assistance Grant

The Community Forestry Assistance Grant, administered by the State of New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, offers year-round funding opportunities to support the development and maintenance of sustainable urban and community forests across New Mexico. The program is designed to prioritize projects that expand equitable access to urban tree canopies and address environmental justice concerns in disadvantaged communities, using federal environmental justice mapping tools to verify these areas. The grant program encourages applications from non-federal governmental entities, including public colleges, universities, and tribal governments, provided no other federal funding is involved in the project. Projects located on federally owned or administered lands are ineligible. The grant supports a wide range of eligible activities including but not limited to the creation or improvement of community forestry programs, planting and maintaining trees, developing urban forest management plans and ordinances, hosting educational and outreach activities, and expanding technical training for an inclusive urban forestry workforce. Importantly, any project involving tree removal must include a replanting component, and tree planting efforts must follow ANSI Z60.1 and A300 standards, with comprehensive planting, irrigation, and long-term maintenance plans. Applicants may request up to $60,000 per project, and while matching funds are not required, they are encouraged to demonstrate commitment. Matches must be non-federal and can include in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor or donated services and materials. Projects may be partially funded at the Forestry Division's discretion depending on available resources. Applicants are required to complete a Financial Capability Questionnaire, a Statement of Assurances, and review a Federal Eligibility Checklist. These documents must be submitted digitally via the EMNRD Forestry Division's Submittable platform. A detailed project timeline, budget narrative, and supporting maps or plans are also required. Applications are reviewed in batches based on funding availability and program demand. The scoring criteria favor projects occurring in disadvantaged areas, as well as those with clear project goals, well-defined timelines, sustainable outcomes, and partnerships. The grant does not reimburse for indirect costs, capital equipment over $5,000, or land acquisition. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total budget. The Forestry Division may award multiple grants under the terms of a Governmental Services Agreement, and selected applicants are required to submit regular progress reports and a final comprehensive report outlining project activities and outcomes. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and must comply with federal and state regulations, including the Uniform Administrative Requirements in 2 C.F.R. 200.