Texas A&M Forest Service offering grants to promote community forests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2024

Texas A&M Forest Service offering grants to promote community forests

COLLEGE STATION, Texas-Texas A&M Forest Service is offering $12.4 million in grant funding through the Community Forestry Grants program to enhance community forestry initiatives throughout the state. These grants will help build capacity for community forestry through workforce development, outreach, canopy enhancements and other unique project ideas.

These grants are designed to foster community forestry principles that promote the establishment, protection and enhancement of community forest ecosystems throughout Texas. Beyond the climate and ecosystem sustainability benefits that can be created by utilizing these grants, communities will be able to integrate health and wellness initiatives as a result of proper tree planting and management.

"The growth and success of our Community Forestry Grants program has been monumental," said Mac Martin, Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program Leader. "The grants offered through our program are essential to enhancing community forestry practices that will improve the quality of life for residents now, and for future generations. This is a strategic program that ensures grants are distributed in a manner that will have a trusted positive community impact."

To support these goals, grant funding is available through six categories: Climate Resiliency, Human Health Equity and Accessibility, Municipal Forester, Workforce Development, Tree Planting and Community Greening.

"While we have four returning grant categories, we are pleased to introduce the Workforce Development and Community Greening grants this year," said Martin. "These additions will help train citizens and students in essential skills for community tree care and management while also driving transformative placemaking projects in vulnerable communities through tree canopy expansion."

The Community Forestry Grants Program was established in 2022 and grew in 2023 when it awarded $15.4 million to 21 Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and schools. The grant program is funded in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.

Community, civic and neighborhood groups may apply with an eligible entity as a sponsor. Eligible entities for these grants must be public or non-profit, including state and local government agencies, public education institutions, non-government organizations or non-profits and public utility districts. Individuals and federal agencies are not eligible. While private industries are not eligible to apply directly, they can be listed as partners and contracted for their expertise on proposed projects.

The submission of applications is now being accepted, and the submission window will close at 4 p.m. CST on Friday, February 14, 2025. Applications are to be completed and submitted using the application worksheets and submission portal. A Community Forestry Grants webinar will be held on October 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. to discuss the application process, resources and address any questions. Register for the webinar here.

Communities, non-profit organizations and schools interested in applying for any category can review the requirements, submit applications, preview previous grant implementation, and find more information on the Community Forestry Grants homepage.

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Photos: Photos from previous grant recipients and their implementation projects can be found here.

Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:

Kate Faris, Community Forestry Grants Program Specialist, 979-933-5527, [email protected]

Communications Office, 979-458-6606, [email protected]

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