City of Austin Urban Forest Grant Program

The Urban Forest Grant is an environmental stewardship program offered through the City of Austin to support community-driven efforts that enhance and preserve Austin’s urban forest. This funding opportunity is designed to promote tree-related activities such as planting, tree care, educational initiatives, and disease control, thereby contributing to a healthier and more sustainable urban canopy. The grant recognizes the unique challenges faced by trees in urban environments and seeks to support projects that align with Austin’s Urban Forest Vision and regulatory standards. Eligible applicants include a broad range of community stakeholders such as parent-teacher groups, academic institutions, private organizations, nonprofits, and community groups. All projects must take place on civic property within the full-purpose jurisdiction of the City of Austin and comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The initiative encourages projects that ensure long-term health and sustainability of the city’s tree canopy and actively engage the local community in urban forestry efforts. A key requirement for prospective applicants is participation in a pre-submittal meeting, which must be scheduled before submitting an application. These mandatory 30-minute meetings, held from July through October 2025, are designed to help applicants discuss their proposed project scope with the Urban Forest Grant Manager to confirm alignment with grant criteria and eligibility standards. Applications will be accepted through the Austin Community Foundation's online portal beginning September 1, 2025. The final deadline for submission is November 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Following submission, awards will be announced between December 2025 and January 2026. Creating an account on the foundation’s application portal is required, and applicants should search for the Urban Forest Grant in the active funding opportunities list once logged in. Questions about the application or project eligibility can be addressed by contacting the Urban Forest Grant Manager via email. This proactive approach to funding local tree stewardship projects reflects the City of Austin’s commitment to environmental health, public engagement, and long-term urban planning.

Pre-submittal meetings are required and time-sensitive; ensure property eligibility and regulatory compliance before applying