The Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Program provides $15 million in funding to municipalities, nonprofits, state agencies, and other eligible entities in New York for urban tree planting projects. These projects aim to expand and restore forested areas to serve urban populations, contributing to New York’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. The program emphasizes climate change mitigation, including reducing extreme heat impacts. Applications are due by March 12, 2025, at 2 p.m., and the program operates on a reimbursement basis, with funds available for quarterly reimbursement.

Eligible applicants include New York State municipalities, quasi-governmental entities, recognized Indian nations or tribes, state agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (prequalification required). Projects must take place on non-federal public properties or privately owned lands open to the public, within the boundaries specified by the CoRe Grant eligibility map. All project work must align with standards outlined in the program's Bid Document and Appendix 8 — EQIP Standards.

Eligible project types include afforestation/reforestation, forest stand restoration with competing vegetation control, and deer exclosures, or combinations of these practices. However, funds cannot be used for property acquisition or planting/maintenance of individual street or park trees. Applicants may submit multiple applications or a single application for multiple sites. Awards range from $150,000 to $3 million, with up to $3 million reserved for smaller projects ($150,000–$500,000) by non-state entities. No matching funds are required.

A webinar for prospective applicants will be held on January 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, to provide guidance on project eligibility and the application process. Interested participants must register in advance. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the State Financial System (SFS), where they will need to register as "bidders" to access the application materials. Assistance is available via the SFS Help Desk or Grants Management Resources.

Final funding decisions will be announced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), with award notifications by late spring or early summer 2025. Funds are expected to be disbursed shortly thereafter based on the anticipated project start date. A complete project report is required upon project completion.

The CoRe Grants present a unique opportunity to promote urban forestry, address climate change, and support equitable access to green spaces in New York’s urban areas. For further details, applicants should refer to the program's official documentation or contact the Division of Lands and Forests directly.