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CAL FIRE is now accepting concept proposals for the Urban and Community Forestry Program for FY 2021-2022 with applications due by 3:00 pm PDT July 14, 2021

The CAL FIRE Urban & Community Forestry Program works to optimize the benefits of trees and related vegetation through multiple objective projects as specified in the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978 (Public Resources Code 4799.06-4799.12).

1. Urban Forest Expansion and Improvement
   • The purpose of this grant type is to provide funding for projects that will plant trees and vegetation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve functionality of urban forests, arrest the decline of urban forest resources, address climate change resilience, improve the quality of the environment in urban areas, and optimize co-benefits to urban residents.
2. Urban Forest Management Activities
   • The purpose of this grant type is to fund the development and implementation of urban forest management activities carried out by a local government jurisdiction to optimize the multiple benefits of its urban forest.
3. Urban Forestry Education and Workforce Development
   • The purpose of this grant type is to fund the development and implementation of programs to educate, train, and/or employ people in urban forestry or a closely related field. Projects must provide knowledge/skills/abilities to assist people in making a career in urban forestry or a related discipline

CAL FIRE encourages resident participation in the development and implementation of each project, although due to the size and complexity of projects, applicants are limited to local government agencies and non-profit organizations.

• A city
• A county
• A qualifying district or
• A non-profit organization as classified under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

All projects shall be designed to further the goals of the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978.

Applicants may work with local CAL FIRE Urban & Community Forestry Staff to develop concept proposals.

1. Urban Forest Expansion and Improvement
   • Projects may include the purchase of vacant, undeveloped, or underutilized neighborhood parcels for these purposes. These projects should focus on urban areas lacking in green space and must meet one or more identified community needs using vegetation. Projects with higher levels of co-benefits will be preferred. Sub-granting is allowable under this program.
2. Urban Forest Management Activities
   • Grant requests must be for performing or updating a tree inventory, establishing a new urban forest management plan or updating an existing management plan, establishing or updating an urban forestry related policy or ordinance, or performing mapping and analysis to inform the other activities.
3. Urban Forestry Education and Workforce Development
   • Grant requests must be for the creation, development, and implementation of projects to help people develop the necessary knowledge/skills/abilities to enter a career in urban forestry or a closely related discipline.

For all project types, the minimum grant amount requested should be no less than $150,000, with a maximum allowable request of $1.5 million.

All project types require a 25 percent match.

Concept proposals must be submitted using the online format no later than 3:00 PM PDT on July 14, 2021. Submissions other than in the provided online format will not be accepted.

Approximately one month after Concept Proposal due date, CAL FIRE will review and determine which applications will move forward to the project phase. Applicants will be notified via email if their applications have been invited to move forward or not.

The notice of funding opportunity can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.