Forestry Grants for Small Cities - Deadline extended to April 5

The deadline has been extended for Kentucky cities to apply for funding from the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Assistance Program. The Kentucky Division of Forestry offers the program in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), designed to encourage smaller communities to create and support long-term and sustained community forestry programs throughout Kentucky. Applications are due April 5, 2024.

Cities can apply for the $1.8 million to support work increasing access to trees and green spaces and the many benefits they provide. This user-friendly mapping tool can determine cities’ eligibility. Applicants can receive between $1,000 and $250,000. The program is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, and 100% of the funding is intended to be delivered to or used to serve underserved and disadvantaged communities. No match funding is required.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Support local government and nonprofit organizations

• Tree canopy assessments

• Tree inventories

• Tree board or tree commission development

• Public tree ordinance/policy

• Heat island analysis and extreme heat mitigation

• Community forestry focused education

• Storm readiness, response, and recovery program development

• Pilot urban wood utilization programs

• Demonstration of community gravel beds

• Tree planting and open space master plans

• Greenway development planning

The Kentucky Division of Forestry will make assistance in developing proposals available to all applicants. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss potential projects with the Division of Forestry before proposal submittal.

Learn more about the grant here.

Check your city’s eligibility on the KY Urban & Community Forestry website.

Contact Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator Chris Wiedamann or call 502.782.3932 for more information.