DNR Urban Forestry Program Announces Inflation Reduction Act Grants Program

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will award $4 million to local governments, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations through a competitive Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grants program. The program will support projects that positively impact trees and people within disadvantaged communities* in Wisconsin. Eligible projects must take place in or benefit those who live in disadvantaged communities as identified by the DNR on this map and list.

Details of the grant opportunity include:

• Potential projects can directly conserve, protect, expand or improve urban forests. They can also be capacity-building endeavors, such as inventories, management plans, ordinances and staff training.
• Grants range from $1,000 to $500,000 and require no match.
• Eligible projects must benefit disadvantaged communities.
• Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
• Grant agreements will be in effect for up to three years, with no extensions.
• Grantees may request quarterly or annual reimbursements.

Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Timeline (subject to change):

• Jan. 16 – Feb. 6: Stakeholder input period open for Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants 2024 Application Guide.
• Feb. 9: DNR hosts a pre-release webinar on the Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grants from 9–10:30 a.m. Register for the webinar.
• Late February: The grant application period opens.
• March 14 and May 15: DNR hosts additional webinars with time for Q&A.
• June 3: Applications are due.
• July 12: Wisconsin DNR notifies applicants of funding status.
• Sept. 3: Grant projects begin.

The DNR is seeking input on the clarity and completeness of the drafted Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants 2024 Application Guide through Feb. 6. The documents are available on the DNR’s Stakeholder Input Opportunities For Forestry Documents webpage.

More information on the grants is available on the DNR Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants webpage. For the latest updates, subscribe to the Urban Forestry newsletter.
 

*This release refers to disadvantaged communities because this is the terminology used by the federal government. However, it could be considered deficit-based language, when many of these areas are some of our most culturally diverse, vibrant communities in Wisconsin. It’s important to recognize the strength, resilience and assets all communities contribute to Wisconsin’s culture, economic systems, landscape and vitality.