The Urban Forestry Grant 2025 is a funding opportunity provided by the USDA Forest Service through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This program aims to invest in the long-term growth and development of urban and community forestry programs, with a strong emphasis on serving disadvantaged communities as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Disadvantaged Communities Map. Eligible applicants include government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

This grant serves as a continuation of the 2024 grant cycle, allowing existing awardees to expand their projects while also opening opportunities for new applicants. Funding is available for projects that contribute to the restoration and expansion of urban tree canopies, improve stormwater filtration, enhance environmental quality, and support community engagement in urban forestry initiatives. Projects must deliver 100% of their benefits to disadvantaged communities to receive a full match waiver.

Applications must be submitted via email to urban.forestry@dnr.ohio.gov by April 1, 2025. Supporting documents may be included with the application form. Applicants will be notified of their funding status by June 15, 2025, and all funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.

The program goals focus on increasing tree planting in urban areas, promoting species diversity, mitigating urban heat islands, improving watershed health, and enhancing the capacity of Ohio communities to manage and expand their urban forest canopies. Additionally, projects must align with the federal Justice40 Initiative, which supports environmental justice and underserved communities experiencing low tree canopy coverage.

Eligible activities under this grant include professional staffing, planning, risk mitigation, proactive maintenance, site preparation, training, tree planting and establishment, urban food forests, urban wood utilization, and extreme heat mitigation. However, certain activities such as land acquisition, construction, utility infrastructure upgrades, and equipment purchases are ineligible.

Funding awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, with a requirement that at least a portion of the funds be allocated for tree planting. The U.S. Forest Service and the Inflation Reduction Act must be acknowledged as funding sources in any work performed under the grant, including compliance with any future signage requirements.

For further details, applicants are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and application materials provided by ODNR.