The New Jersey Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF) Program offers financial assistance to counties and municipalities across the state to support local management plans for trees and forests. These grants aim to enhance urban and community forestry efforts through projects such as community tree and forest inventories, risk tree assessments, tree planting, and reforestation. The program is designed to promote sustainable forestry practices, environmental stewardship, and the health of urban and suburban tree populations.

Applications for these grants must be submitted through the NJDEP SAGE (System for Administering Grants Electronically) platform. To aid applicants in the process, NJDEP SAGE allows users to generate a blank version of the application for reference or to print a completed application for their records. These tools are accessible through the "Management Tools" section of the SAGE platform under the "My Tasks" page.

The NJUCF program offers multiple types of grants, including Green Communities Grants and NJUCF Stewardship Grants, tailored to different aspects of urban forestry projects. Grant applications must meet submission guidelines and adhere to financial and project reporting requirements to ensure eligibility and compliance. Assistance with application materials, agreements, and reporting is available through designated NJDEP contacts: Brian McDonald (brian.mcdonald@dep.nj.gov) for questions about projects and applications, and Patricia Shapella (patricia.shapella@dep.nj.gov) for questions about grant agreements and financial reporting.

Applicants are encouraged to use NJDEP SAGE tools to collaborate on proposals and review application instructions thoroughly before submission. Printing a blank or completed application is recommended for reference, especially during project planning and proposal development stages. These resources aim to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility for local governments seeking funding to advance their forestry goals.

Counties and municipalities interested in applying should prepare detailed project plans aligned with the NJUCF program's goals. Proposals should clearly outline objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban forestry practices. Questions regarding applications or reporting should be directed to the appropriate NJDEP staff members to ensure clarity and compliance.