The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program is seeking proposals for its 2025 “Celebrating Year of Our Community Forests” grant initiative. This program aims to promote awareness and appreciation of urban and community forests through projects that engage the community and highlight the ecological, cultural, health, and social benefits of trees. A total of $150,000 is available for distribution, with grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Proposals can be submitted online between December 11, 2024, and January 26, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. local time.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community groups, and non-federal government agencies operating in Hawaiʻi. Projects must focus on urban and community forestry in public or publicly accessible spaces or educational institutions. Activities can include community celebrations, educational programs, outreach campaigns, and artistic events inspired by cultural or place-based knowledge. Priority populations for the program include Native Hawaiians and low-income families, and proposals that promote equity, diversity, and justice are strongly encouraged.

Funding can be used for materials, events, educational programs, outreach, salaries, and consultant fees, including traditional knowledge holders and artists. However, expenditures for food, beverages, or equipment costing over $5,000 are not allowed. Proposals must include a detailed project description, budget, and evidence of community impact. Partnerships with other organizations are encouraged, and projects must align with the campaign's objectives.

Applications will be evaluated by the Kaulunani Advisory Council, which will recommend selected proposals to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Funding decisions will be announced by February 18, 2025. Payment is structured in two installments: half upon signing the grant agreement and notice to proceed, and the remaining half after project completion and submission of final reports. Awardees must also report volunteer contributions as part of their project outcomes.

A public grant webinar will be held on December 18, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., and one-on-one application support will be available on January 8 and 10, 2025. Interested applicants can contact the program for guidance or access resources like best practices for invasive species prevention and the Hawaiʻi Tree Canopy Viewer to support their proposals. For additional information, the program coordinators can be reached by email or phone.