Regular Urban Forestry Grants
Regular urban forestry grants support projects that improve a community’s capacity to manage its trees. Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting their project in Wisconsin may apply for a regular urban forestry grant.
About
Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 and require a 50–50 match (total project cost range is $2,000 to $50,000).
The project sponsor must initially fund 100% of project costs with cash, in-kind contributions and/or donations. Upon completion, the project sponsor requests reimbursement for 50% of eligible costs (501[c][3] nonprofit organizations may request an advance when a grant is awarded).
Projects begin Jan. 1 and must be completed within one calendar year.
Eligible projects and costs
Projects must relate to community tree management, maintenance or education within Wisconsin cities, villages or other areas of concentrated development.
Eligible project components include, but are not limited to:
- tree inventory or canopy assessment;
- urban forestry strategic or management plan;
- urban forest pest response, storm response or risk reduction plan;
- tree ordinance development/revision;
- public outreach;
- staff or volunteer training;
- tree board or volunteer group development; and
- tree planting, maintenance and removal.
Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- construction projects (such as trails, fences, shelters, buildings and site grading) not directly related to planting;
- land clearing or stump removal projects not directly related to tree planting or removal; and
- land or boundary surveys or title search, appraisal, sale or exchange of real property.
Eligible costs are those necessary for completing the project and incurred during the project period. Costs must be documented, reasonable and consistent with the project scope. Examples include:
- salaries and fringe benefits of people working directly on the project;
- cost of services, supplies, equipment or facilities used on the project; and
- value of labor, services, supplies, equipment or facilities donated to the project by third parties.
Application steps
- Obtain a resolution from your governing body designating a representative to file the application and handle all grant actions on behalf of the applicant.
- Complete application form 8700-298 [PDF].
- Complete Urban Forestry Partner Verification form 8700-298A [PDF] for each project partner (not for hired service providers).
501(c)(3) organizations must include a copy of their constitution, bylaws or articles of incorporation, unless already on file with the DNR urban forestry program.
Review the urban forestry grant application guide [PDF] for more details.
- From a desktop computer, download the PDF form (right-click on the link, then select "Save link as" or "Save target as").
- Make a note of the file location and file name so you can access the file from your device. Do not double-click the file.
- Open the Adobe Reader software then select "File > Open" then browse to the PDF file you saved on your device.
Submission
You can submit your application and authorizing resolution by electronic format (preferred).
- Print
Review, edit if needed and file. - Save
File name should represent organization name and urban forestry grant year. - Submit by email
You will be given the opportunity to edit the message and provide attachments to an email addressed to DNRUrbanForestryGrants@wisconsin.gov.
Or, mail hard copies to:
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Urban Forestry Grants
518 West Somo Ave
Tomahawk, WI 54487
Applications must be sent or postmarked by 11:59 p.m., Oct. 1.
Help
For more information or assistance, contact your urban forestry coordinator or email the program mailbox at DNRUrbanForestryGrants@wi.gov.
You may also want to check out our Consultants page.