AZ Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant - 2025

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management through its Urban and Community Forestry program is administering the 2025 Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant Program. This initiative is specifically designed for communities and institutions that are already recognized as Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, or Tree Campus K-12 participants. The TREE Grant Program is intended to strengthen urban forestry efforts in Arizona by providing financial support for projects that improve, conserve, and manage community trees and forest resources. The TREE Grant’s primary purpose is to assist Tree City and Tree Campus communities in achieving sustainable forestry practices and canopy cover goals. Eligible projects include the development and adoption of tree management or readiness plans, tree planting to meet canopy coverage targets, conducting or supporting tree inventories, removal of hazardous trees, and pruning consistent with ANSI A300 standards. Additional eligible uses include the development of municipal tree ordinances by certified forestry professionals, training for municipal staff and volunteers, and certification of in-house employees through the International Society of Arboriculture. Projects must align with the Arizona Forest Action Plan, and all tree planting efforts require a five-year maintenance plan and adherence to nursery stock standards. Funds may be applied toward personnel and labor, operational costs, travel, contractual services, equipment rental, and indirect costs up to fifteen percent. However, significant limitations apply: no more than twenty percent of the project budget may be allocated to non-tree plant materials, no costs may replace existing planting and maintenance expenses, and projects cannot include construction or research and development activities. Additionally, grant funds cannot be used for capital equipment purchases over $10,000. All awarded projects must be completed by September 30, 2026, unless otherwise authorized. The program is reimbursable, and no funds will be distributed until both expenditures and required match contributions are accrued. At least half of total project costs must come from non-federal sources such as cash, volunteer services, or in-kind contributions. Eligibility is restricted to Arizona-based entities that hold Tree City USA or Tree Campus USA recognition, as well as Tree Campus K-12 institutions. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, public educational institutions, and non-profit organizations directly serving recognized Tree City or Tree Campus participants. All project activities must directly benefit the jurisdiction of a recognized Tree City or Tree Campus. Applicants may submit only one application per year, and organizations must be current on all reporting requirements from previous awards with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, or national origin. Applications must be submitted online through the eCivis portal. The application period opens September 24, 2025, and closes on November 7, 2025. This grant is offered annually and is expected to reopen for the next cycle in fall 2026. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $8,000, with an average award size of $3,000. The program does not specify the total number of awards available, and the exact total funding pool is not disclosed. At least fifty percent of project costs must be matched by the applicant. Ten percent of funds may be withheld until projects are successfully completed and approved. Applicants must comply with federal and state regulations, including requirements under 2 CFR 200 and related USDA supplemental rules. Recipients must also maintain proper financial and performance records for at least five years and are subject to audit requirements. Applicants are required to maintain current registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM) and to register as a vendor in Arizona’s state vendor portal. A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and banking information will be needed to receive funds electronically. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact Madeline Burton, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. She can be reached at (480) 769-4184 or via email at mburton@dffm.az.gov. Correspondence may also be directed to the Urban and Community Forestry Program, Department of Forestry and Fire Management, 1110 W Washington Street, Suite 500, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. While the physical address is provided, applications are only accepted through the eCivis portal.