Arizona International Development Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry program is excited to announce the next round for the Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant Program! This program is open ONLY to currently recognized Tree City USA, Tree Campus USA, and Tree Campus K-12 program participants and community organizations directly serving recognized Tree Cities and Campuses. The purpose of this program is to support the management, improvement, and/or conservation of community forests by recognized Tree Cities and Tree Campuses. Funds may be used to promote and enhance the quality of Arizona's urban and community forests, and may also be used for engaging decision-makers through urban forest management initiatives. The goals of this program are to: Assist recognized Arizona Tree Cities and Tree Campuses in initiating or significantly improving their efforts to care for the community forest, including assistance for achieving canopy cover goals Encourage recognized Tree Cities and Tree Campuses to develop and maintain a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive community forestry program that is based on a current tree inventory and managed with the guidance of a community forestry professional Promote community forestry benefits through the proper management and care of trees in Arizona's recognized Tree City and Tree Campus communities, including through harvesting programs Eligible activities, listed in order of priority, are: Development and adoption of a written community tree management plan or community readiness plan Tree planting projects as part of a comprehensive management program to meet state, county, or community canopy coverage goals Community tree inventory support Removal of hazardous trees Pruning according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 specifications (without topping) Municipal tree ordinance development by a certified forestry professional Training of city employees and volunteers to improve community forestry practices Initial costs of certification for in-house employees by the International Society of Arboriculture Other activities that meet needs identified in the Arizona Forest Action Plan All projects involving tree planting must include a five-year maintenance plan. All trees purchased must meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock and Arizona Nursery Association standards. Planted trees must be guaranteed for one year after planting. All hazardous trees must be identified by a certified arborist, forester, or similarly qualified person. Eligible costs include personnel/labor, operating costs and supplies, travel, contractual services, equipment, and indirect costs. Eligibility is limited to currently recognized Tree City USA and Tree Campus USA program participants or community organizations directly serving Tree City/Campus participants. Financial Notes: Match Notes: Applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost via nonfederal matching contributions. Matching contributions may include: Cash Services Volunteer time at the local market rate Equipment usage In-kind contributions For projects involving tree planting, a five-year maintenance plan must be funded by the applicant's own resources. Matching funds may not be provided by other funding programs administered by the federal government. Funds used to match another program may not be used.   Funding Notes: An estimated $8,000 is available to support awards ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 through this program. Awards typically range from $2,000 to $4,000. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis. Project periods will begin on September 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2025. Final reimbursement requests must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Planted trees must be guaranteed for one year after planting. Award notifications are expected to be issued after August 6th, 2024. Up to 10 percent of funding may be used for indirect costs, inluding overhead/administrative costs. Funds may not be used to purchase capital equipment costing over $5,000; however, funds may be used to rent equipment. Funds may not be used for: Ordinary operational expenses Purchasing food or beverages Previously funded projects Projects that have already started or are ongoing

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations in Arizona to enhance urban and community forestry initiatives that promote tree planting, care, and climate resilience.