The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers Community Forestry Grants to support projects that address urban forestry needs throughout the state. The program aims to enhance urban and community forestry resources by providing funding to municipal governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups. Projects supported through this program may include tree inventories, management plans, tree planting, educational workshops, training materials, and Arbor Day activities.
The primary objective is to develop or improve urban and community forestry practices across Michigan. Typical project categories include management and planning, education and training, tree planting, and Arbor Day activities. All tree planting must occur on public land or land accessible to the public. The categories of eligible projects may vary annually based on evolving program priorities.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, schools, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations. The application process begins each summer, with applicants submitting proposals to the Forest Resources Division. These applications undergo review by division staff, who then approve, adjust, or deny the proposals. Applicants are notified of decisions, and successful applicants must sign grant agreements. Additionally, recipients must register with the SIGMA Vendor Self Service system to receive grant payments.
For Fiscal Year 2025, applications are due by September 20, 2024. Funded projects are expected to last approximately two years, beginning in November 2024 and concluding by September 1, 2026. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $30,000, with approximately $125,000 available for distribution. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under state and private forestry appropriations, with authorization provided annually by the Michigan Legislature.
Prospective applicants seeking further information or assistance may contact Kevin Sayers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, at 517-582-3209 or via email at SayersK@Michigan.gov. Additional support is available from Kerry Gray, DNR Urban and Community Forestry Grant Specialist, at 734-691-1806 or GrayK12@michigan.gov.
