Community Challenge Grants 2024

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) – Urban and Community Forestry in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry is pleased to offer the Community Challenge Grant program. Urban and Community Forestry is a cooperative program that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources, and this program is designed to encourage projects that promote tree planting, the care of trees, the protection and enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems, and education on tree issues in cities, towns and communities across the nation. Community Challenge Grants are awarded through this program to encourage and promote citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustainable urban and community forestry programs at the local level.  PROGRAM OBJECTIVES  The Community Challenge Grants are to be used to promote and enhance the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests. Research project funding is provided as seed-dollars. Projects should be aimed at improving the long-term health and care of the urban forest, or at initiating new urban forestry projects in Arizona communities that would not otherwise be funded through existing budgets.   STATE STRATEGIC GOALS AND PROGRAM PRIORITIES  In order to be eligible, all proposals must meet at least one of the State’s strategic goals for urban and community forestry outlined in the Arizona Forest Action Plan  Financial Notes: GRANT LIMITATIONS No more than 20% of the total project dollars may be used for non-tree plant materials.  Funds used to purchase trees as part of the project may not be used to substitute for existing tree planting and care expenditures. Any tree planting project* must include a five-year (5-year) maintenance plan. This maintenance must be funded separately by the applicant. All trees purchased must meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock and Arizona Nursery Association Standards. Indirect costs associated with the proposed activities may not exceed 10% of the reimbursable project costs. All project work must be completed by March 31, 2026, unless otherwise authorized by the grant administrator or specified in the grant agreement. Priority may be given to projects that are able to be completed before this date. This is a reimbursable grant program. At least 10% of the total cost (match) of the project must be contributed by the applicant from sources other than the federal government. This amount may be in cash, services, volunteer time, equipment usage, and/or in-kind contributions. Grant funds will be distributed on a 90% reimbursement basis, and at no time can they be used to cover more than 90% of the project cost. No grant funds will be distributed until project expenditures and appropriate match are accrued. Ten percent (10%) of the funds may be withheld from the final payment until the project is completed and approved by the Urban and Community Forestry representative. Funds may be used for specified projects only and may not be used to meet ordinary operational expenses or to purchase food or beverages. Grant funds cannot be used to purchase capital equipment (i.e., costing >$5,000). However, they may be used to rent such equipment. Projects involving infrastructure and construction are not allowable. Construction is the building of foundations and permanent surfaces and includes structure remodeling, bridge building, road maintenance or infrastructure, water development, etc.  Research and development projects are not allowable. Projects that include purchase of capital equipment (valued over $5,000 per item) are not allowable. * Note: Organizations that receive a grant related to planting must have a Certified Arborist or Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) on-hand at the time the plants are delivered and when planting occurs. If the applicant already has either on staff, they may perform this function and credit their time as a match toward their awarded grant. FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS Grantees must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, policies and procedures, including obtaining all permits and approvals necessary to proceed with proposed grant activities. Successful applicants must also comply with all regulations pertaining to Federal Grants. It will be the applicant’s responsibility to develop, document, administer and manage the grant in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws, including the Federal Government Single Audit Act and all relevant Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars. Awardees will be subject to the OMB requirements and guidance in subparts A through F of 2 CFR 200 as adopted and supplemented by USDA in 2 CFR part 400. CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) – http://www.ecfr.gov. If grantee needs assistance in obtaining any of these documents in electronic or printed form, please contact DFFM for assistance. All records for awarded grants must be maintained for five (5) years following final payment or longer if required by law. An audit requirement for all Federal grantees is provided in the Code of Federal Regulations: 2 CFR 200. SAM REGISTRATION Sub recipients are required to register with the federal government System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov prior to receiving an award. Please allow at least two (2) weeks to apply or renew this registration. Please note DUNS numbers are no longer used. All information is now in the SAM System. You will need an Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from the SAM process, Taxpayer ID Number (TIN), and financial information to set up Electronic Funds Transfer. Grantees must also register as a vendor with the Arizona Department of Administration’s Vendor Portal (https://app.az.gov/).