Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant

The Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through its Forest Resources Division and is funded by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. The program is designed to support the development, sustainability, and resilience of urban and community forests across Michigan. It aligns with federal priorities to expand and improve access to tree canopy, enhance environmental and community benefits, and promote active community participation in urban forestry initiatives. The primary purpose of the program is to advance the goals of the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program while supporting the Michigan Forest Action Plan. The program funds projects that improve urban forest management, strengthen planning efforts, and increase public engagement with trees and green infrastructure. It emphasizes long-term sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable access to the environmental and social benefits provided by trees in developed communities. Eligible projects span a wide range of activities related to urban forestry. These include public tree inventories, urban forest planning and management plans, climate adaptation strategies, tree planting and maintenance, pruning, and removal activities paired with replanting. Additional supported activities include workforce training, community outreach and education, volunteer engagement, and capacity building through staffing or contractor support. Projects must occur within eligible Michigan communities identified through a designated screening tool and must align with state and federal forestry goals. The program provides funding on a reimbursement basis, with applicants required to initially incur costs and then request reimbursement. Grant requests must fall within a defined range, and while no cost share or matching funds are required, applicants must present a clear and detailed budget. Funds may be used for personnel, travel, supplies, contractual services, and indirect costs within defined limits, but cannot be used for major equipment purchases, land acquisition, or construction. All expenditures must align with approved project scopes and receive prior approval if modified. Eligible applicants include local units of government, tribal governments, state agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Partnerships are encouraged to strengthen applications, including collaborations with businesses, community groups, and individuals, although only eligible entities may apply directly. Applicants must submit proposals through the MiGrants online system, ensuring all required documentation and attachments are included for review. The application period is open from early April through mid-May 2026, with submissions required by May 18, 2026. Applications are reviewed competitively by a committee based on technical merit, organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, community engagement, and sustainability of the project. Award decisions are typically announced within approximately two months of the application deadline, with selected projects entering into formal agreements before beginning work. Funded projects must be completed within the specified performance period, with all activities finalized by the end of 2027 and final reimbursement requests submitted by early 2028. Recipients are required to comply with both state and federal regulations, document project progress through reporting and imagery, and acknowledge funding sources in public materials. The program is expected to recur annually, continuing to support urban forestry development across Michigan communities.

Ensure alignment with USDA Forest Service and Michigan Forest Action Plan priorities; provide clear measurable outcomes and strong community engagement; submit complete and detailed narratives and supporting documents