Community Forestry Assistance Grant

The Community Forestry Assistance Grant, issued by the State of New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), Forestry Division, is designed to support urban and community forestry projects throughout New Mexico. Administered in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, this program seeks to foster sustainable stewardship of forestry resources by funding projects that improve the health and accessibility of community forests. Applications are accepted year-round, and reviews occur quarterly. The Forestry Division may award multiple contracts under this initiative. The grant prioritizes projects that expand equitable tree canopy cover and enhance access to green spaces in disadvantaged communities. These communities must be identified using federal tools such as the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, EPA Environmental Justice Mapping Tool, or the EPA EnviroAtlas Interactive Map. Projects outside of disadvantaged areas may be considered but could receive reduced funding. Eligible activities include tree planting, removal of invasive species, forest management planning, wood waste program development, food forest creation, tree maintenance, green infrastructure assessments, and public education campaigns. Applicants can request up to $60,000 per proposal. While no cost share is required, the provision of non-federal matching funds is encouraged to show project commitment. Matching contributions can include in-kind services, donated equipment, volunteer labor, and monetary contributions from public or private (non-federal) sources. Capital equipment purchases over $5,000 and land acquisition or construction are not eligible expenses. Indirect costs are not reimbursed, and administrative costs are capped at 10%. Eligible applicants include non-federal government entities such as state and local governments, tribal nations (excluding federal funding overlap), and public colleges and universities. Projects located on federal land are ineligible. Applicants must secure necessary landowner permissions or permits and adhere to ANSI standards for tree planting. Tree planting projects must include a detailed planting and long-term maintenance plan and be supported by a local ordinance or policy that designates legal responsibility for community tree care. Applications must be submitted via the Forestry Division’s Submittable portal. Each application must include a completed application form, Financial Capability Questionnaire, Statement of Assurances, and letters of support from listed contributors. The evaluation process scores proposals on community need, disadvantaged community impact, sustainability, clarity of goals and activities, project timeline, partner involvement, and budget justification. Applicants with no prior participation in the program receive equal scoring consideration. Inquiries can be directed to Alyssa O’Brien, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, at Alyssa.OBrien@emnrd.nm.gov or (505) 690-8531. Application materials and further details are available at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/requests-for-proposals-and-grants/. There is no set application deadline; however, applications are reviewed quarterly based on submissions received by March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30. Performance periods must not exceed two years.

Emphasize community impact, disadvantaged area focus, and clarity in budget narrative for higher scoring.