Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program

The Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program is administered by Oklahoma Forestry Services in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. This program is part of a broader federal and state initiative to promote sustainable forestry practices and expand the benefits of urban tree canopies. Funding originates from federal allocations supporting state-level forestry conservation programs, with Oklahoma receiving a multi-year allocation to distribute through competitive grants. The program is designed to strengthen local capacity for urban forestry and ensure that communities, particularly those with limited access to environmental resources, can develop and sustain forestry initiatives. The primary purpose of the program is to support the planning, development, and implementation of urban and community forestry projects that provide long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. These benefits include improved air quality, reduced urban heat, enhanced stormwater management, increased biodiversity, and improved public health outcomes. The program emphasizes projects that integrate forestry into community planning, promote environmental education, and build workforce capacity. Priority is given to initiatives addressing extreme heat mitigation, community food systems, and workforce development in forestry-related fields. Funding for this grant cycle ranges from 5000 to 50000 dollars per project, with no matching requirement for eligible proposals that meet all criteria. Projects must deliver one hundred percent of their benefits to communities identified as lacking sufficient forestry resources, as determined by the Oklahoma Forestry Services Urban and Community Assessment Tool. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur and document expenses before receiving payment. Administrative costs are capped at twelve percent of the total award, and all expenditures must comply with federal and state guidelines. Eligible applicants include local governments such as cities, towns, and counties, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and educational institutions. Community groups that are not formally designated as nonprofits may still participate if they apply in partnership with an eligible entity. All applicants must possess a Federal Employer Identification Number and a Unique Entity Identifier. Projects must align with program objectives and cannot include activities such as research, construction, land acquisition, or major equipment purchases exceeding specified thresholds. The application process requires submission of a completed application form, a detailed proposal narrative, a budget worksheet, and supporting documentation such as proof of nonprofit status if applicable. Applications must be submitted either by email or mail to Oklahoma Forestry Services by the stated deadline. The proposal narrative must clearly outline the project purpose, activities, partnerships, community benefits, timeline, and expected deliverables. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission to ensure alignment with program priorities and improve proposal quality. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including clarity of purpose, demonstrated community need, alignment with program objectives, feasibility of implementation, cost effectiveness, and long-term impact. Additional considerations include partnerships, public engagement, and the ability to replicate project outcomes in other communities. Projects must achieve a minimum score threshold to be considered for funding, and bonus points may be awarded for specific community characteristics such as participation in Tree City USA programs or benefits to tribal or historically underserved communities. The application deadline for this funding cycle is October 23, 2026 at 500 pm CST. Successful applicants will be notified following review and must complete required federal documentation within thirty days of award notification. Projects have a one-year performance period and must submit periodic progress reports and a final report within thirty days of completion. The program is recurring on an annual basis, with future funding cycles expected to follow a similar timeline. Applicants may contact program representatives for assistance and guidance throughout the application process.

Clearly demonstrate community need align project with forestry objectives provide detailed and realistic budget and emphasize partnerships and long term impact