Community Crossings Matching Grant Program

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management administers a grant program aimed at addressing the growing threat of non-native, invasive plants across Arizona. Recognizing that these invasive species do not adhere to borders and affect all types of land ownership, the department is offering support to mitigate their negative impact on the environment. Non-native invasive plants significantly alter the natural fire regimes, increase the risk and intensity of wildfires, and disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting indigenous plant species. As a result, the state's ecological balance, agricultural viability, and public safety are at risk. The primary objective of the grant is to assist town, city, and county governments, as well as other qualified applicants, in the management and removal of invasive plant species. Projects funded under this grant are intended to restore natural landscapes, improve ecosystem resilience, and reduce wildfire hazards associated with invasive vegetation. Restoration activities may include manual, mechanical, chemical, or biological control methods, depending on the targeted species and site conditions. Additionally, successful projects will emphasize the long-term sustainability of invasive species control efforts through community engagement, maintenance planning, and inter-agency collaboration. Funding is provided by the state and is geographically restricted to Arizona. Eligible applicants are local governments such as towns, cities, and counties, which have the capacity to implement invasive species control projects within their jurisdictions. Specific eligibility requirements and any necessary registrations are typically outlined in the full application packet released annually. Applications for this grant are expected to be due by April 30, 2026. This deadline is an estimate based on the previous year’s cycle and is subject to change when the current year's opportunity is officially announced. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and add this grant to their alert systems to receive notifications on any changes to the schedule. While full application instructions, funding amounts, and detailed evaluation criteria have not been provided yet for the 2025 cycle, applicants should prepare to demonstrate a clear understanding of invasive species management practices, outline measurable project outcomes, and describe plans for monitoring and maintaining treated areas. Communication with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is advised for clarifications and updates when the official notice is released.