Grant overview
Community-based nonprofits and their named partners from public and non-profit sectors are invited to apply for grants aimed at increasing canopy equity in neighborhoods that need it most. These grants focus on environmental justice areas and encourage community members to get involved in every step of urban and community forestry projects. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service’s Inflation Reduction Act, the DNR has $1 million available to help communities with planning, managing, or evaluating projects on public, private or Tribal lands. Each grant can be up to $100,000. No matching funds are required.
Informational session
Pre-grant webinar recordingWatch our webinar recording that covers an overview of grant eligibility and timelines, the need for community engagement, and practical strategies for exploring partnerships. If you need a transcript of the webinar please email [email protected]
Grant webinar
The second webinar will focus on the application process, how to format your budget, and answering any questions that eligible applicants may have. Register for the webinar on September 11 from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
In-person grant overview sessions
We will be traveling across the state hosting six in-person sessions to help answer any questions communities might have about the grant. Registration is not required.
- 3:30-5:00 pm at Duluth Public Library, 520 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 – Parking information
- 1:30-3:00 pm at Bemidji Public Library - 509 America Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 – Onsite parking available
- 5:00 -7:00 pm at Bemidji Public Library - 509 America Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
- 1:00 -2:30 pm at DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Rd N, Saint Paul, MN 55155 – Parking information
- 1:30-3:00 pm at Minneapolis Central Library - 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401 – Parking information
- 6:30-8:00 pm at Rondo Public Library - 461 N Dale St, St Paul, MN, United States – Street parking or parking garage below the library.
- 3:00 -4:30 pm at Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center 4001 W River Pkwy NW Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55901 – onsite parking
- 6:30-8:00 pm at 125 Live 125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901 – onsite parking
Eligible applicants
These grants are targeted towards place-based nonprofits or grassroots efforts that work in environmental justice communities. These include neighborhood associations, community groups, and volunteer organizations.
Government, educational institutions, and non-placed based nonprofits can also apply, but they must partner with environmental justice communities. This partnership is offered since smaller organizations may not be able to meet eligibility requirements on their own. Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed projects will benefit and serve environmental justice communities and provide letters of commitment from the environmental justice community or place-based organization.
Eligible activities
All efforts done by grantees must serve environmental justice communities. View a map of the environmental justice areas eligible for this grant.
- Community engagement
- Environmental education
- Tree planting, pruning and maintenance activities
- Chemical treatment application by licensed professionals
- Residential assistance for qualified homeowners to contract tree care with licensed professionals
- Young tree establishment (watering, mulching, protection)
- Stewardship management plans
If selected, grantees may only begin spending on eligible activities once the grant contract is finalized.
Eligible expenses
All tree work should be conducted or overseen by professionals with a qualifying credential. Grant funds can be used for, but will not be limited to:
- Educational and engagement materials: Printing or purchasing materials for community outreach and education.
- Staff and professional services: Paying staff for outreach, project work, or administrative tasks, and hiring outside help for technical assistance or tree-related work (including removal, replanting, and site preparation).
- Site preparation and planting: Preparing sites and planting, including buying diverse trees, mulch, watering bags, staking materials, and protective tree wraps. Activities that need special licenses or involve safety risks should be done by licensed contractors
- Purchase of project-related materials: Renting equipment, or qualified purchases under $5,000.
Project timeline:
- Application available: Thursday, September 9, 2024
- Initial interest forms due: Monday, October 7, 2024
- Application questions due: October 21, 2024
- Applications due: October 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm
How to apply
If you are new to state funding, fill out the optional technical assistance form (bullet number 2) and receive up to one and a half hours of technical assistance to help you navigate the process and prepare you for your full application.
- Review the Request for Applications
- Download and complete the Initial Interest Form
- Download and complete the Application
- Download and fill out the Attachment A Budget Form
- For projects including tree planting:
- Complete the Attachment B 3-Year Tree Maintenance Plan
- Provide a Species and Stock List
- Provide a Letter of Support if you are working with an outside organization on the project - any format is acceptable.
Please reach out if you need help or have questions! [email protected]
After reading the Request for Applications, complete all parts of the application found above. Email completed applications to [email protected] (only emailed applications will be accepted). Applications deadline: October 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
No match requirement
Please do not submit a match as part of your applications.