2025 Urban & Community Forestry Green Campus Grant

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, administers the Urban and Community Forestry Green Campus Grant program. This initiative is designed to promote stewardship of urban natural resources and foster sustainable green spaces within Arizona communities. By targeting K–12 schools, healthcare facilities, and faith-based institutions, the program seeks to improve environmental quality, expand tree canopy, and provide educational opportunities about tree care and conservation. The Green Campus Grant underscores the importance of community engagement in long-term urban forest management. The program supports projects that enhance or create healthy, sustainable green spaces on campuses where such work may not otherwise be possible due to limited budgets. Eligible projects must align with the State’s strategic goals as outlined in the Arizona Forest Action Plan. Key objectives include tree planting with native species, the long-term care and protection of urban forest resources, and public involvement in urban forestry. By investing in tree planting and care, the program aims to improve air quality, provide shade and cooling in urban settings, and enhance the well-being of students, patients, and community members. Grant funds may be used for tree planting, care, and maintenance; however, restrictions apply. No more than 20 percent of project dollars may be used on non-tree plant materials, and indirect costs cannot exceed 15 percent of reimbursable costs. Tree planting projects must include a five-year maintenance plan funded separately by the applicant. Projects involving construction, infrastructure, or research are not permitted, nor are purchases of capital equipment valued over $10,000. The program is strictly reimbursable, meaning grantees must incur expenses before receiving grant funds. Up to 10 percent of funds may be withheld until final approval of project completion by program staff. Applications are open from September 26, 2025, to November 13, 2025, with projects required to be completed by December 31, 2026, unless otherwise authorized. There is no matching requirement, and the program offers approximately $125,000 in total funding, with awards ranging between $15,000 and $40,000. Awards will be determined based on alignment with program priorities, feasibility of implementation, and capacity for sustainable long-term management of funded projects. Priority may be given to those that can be completed before the program deadline. Eligible applicants include units of state, county, municipal, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including faith-based organizations and healthcare facilities, and public educational institutions. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible, though citizen groups may partner with eligible applicants. Applicants must be current on reporting requirements for any prior grants with DFFM. All grantees are expected to comply with state and federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200 and USDA supplements, and must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Arizona Vendor Portal before receiving funds. Interested applicants must prepare complete proposals that meet the eligibility requirements and address one or more of the state’s forestry goals. The proposal should include a detailed budget, project plan, and assurances of compliance with federal and state regulations. For questions regarding this funding opportunity, applicants should contact Madeline Burton, Program Manager for Urban and Community Forestry, at the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, via email at mburton@dffm.az.gov. All applications and correspondence should be directed to the agency’s Phoenix office.

Ensure compliance with tree standards and maintenance plan requirements; avoid ineligible expenses; complete SAM and Arizona Vendor registrations