Small Town Big Trees Grant

The Small Town Big Trees Grant is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry through its Community and Urban Forestry Program, with funding support from the United States Forest Service. This program is designed to enhance the quality of life in Indiana communities by strengthening urban and community forestry initiatives. It reflects a broader federal and state commitment to protecting natural resources, promoting environmental resilience, and supporting sustainable community development through improved tree canopy management and expansion. The primary purpose of the grant is to invest in the long term growth and development of community forestry programs in smaller Indiana communities. The program supports efforts to protect existing urban tree canopy, expand tree coverage, and improve resilience against threats such as pests, severe weather events, and climate change. The grant emphasizes the importance of best management practices and sustainable maintenance strategies, ensuring that funded projects contribute to lasting environmental and community benefits. Funding can be used across a variety of project types that support urban forestry goals. Eligible activities include education and training initiatives for municipal staff and community members, development or revision of tree protection ordinances, establishment of nonprofit organizations focused on forestry, tree planting projects with required community engagement and maintenance plans, tree inventories or canopy assessments, and the development or updating of management or response plans. Certain restrictions apply, such as requirements for planting native species and adherence to specific technical standards outlined in program addendums. The grant provides funding ranging from a minimum of 500 dollars to a maximum of 5000 dollars per project. All funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur and document expenses before receiving payment. A mandatory one to one match requirement applies, allowing matching funds to be composed of cash, in kind contributions, or a combination of both. Matching contributions must be directly related to the project and cannot include other federal funds. Administrative costs used as match are capped at ten percent of the total grant amount. Eligibility is limited to Indiana communities with populations of 10000 or fewer residents. Applicants must be either municipalities, which include a broad range of local government entities, or nonprofit organizations with valid 501c3 status. Applicants are expected to demonstrate capacity to manage the project and comply with federal and state grant requirements, including documentation, reporting, and adherence to procurement and financial management standards. The application process requires submission through the State Budget Agency grants portal. Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive package including a completed application form, narrative responses to required questions, a detailed budget, a project timeline, and supporting documentation such as public comment forms, proof of nonprofit status if applicable, bidder registration, and financial forms. Tree planting projects require additional documentation such as a work plan and map. Applications are reviewed first for eligibility and then scored by an independent committee using a structured rubric that evaluates application completeness, project quality, community impact, budget accuracy, and partnerships. The application period opens on July 1 and closes on September 11, with award notifications expected by October 12. Funded projects begin upon award notification and must be completed by May 1, 2028. The program is offered on a recurring annual basis, and applicants are encouraged to provide strong matching contributions and detailed project plans to improve their competitiveness. For questions, applicants may contact the Division of Forestry Community and Urban Forestry Program via phone or email as listed in the application materials.

Provide detailed narratives clearly defined outcomes strong community engagement plans accurate budgets and include over match to improve scoring