December 11, 2023
Texas
A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grant submission window now open
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The
submission window for the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grant
Program is now open and will close February 16, 2024.
The Community Forestry Grant
Program is offering more than $16 million in competitive grant opportunities
for community, civic and neighborhood groups to promote the management and
enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems and provide positive
impacts throughout the state of Texas. Public and non-profit entities eligible
for these grants include State and local government agencies, public education
institutions, NGOs or non-profits, tribal entities and public utility
districts.
The seven grant categories
are Human Health Equity and Accessibility, Municipal Foresters, Geospatial
Analysis 65, Climate Resiliency, Tree City USA, Tree Planting and Schoolyard
Forests.
“We are able to offer an
unprecedented amount of grants through the Community Forestry Grant Program
this year,” said Mac Martin, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry
Program Leader. “The goal of this grant program is to provide resources that
contribute to the holistic development of future generations and address key
issues related to health, resilience and community well-being through
sustainable forest management.”
Another goal outlined in the
foundation of the grant program is to increase tree coverage to 30% on Texas
school campuses through schoolyard forests grants.
“Green spaces are essential
in students’ development,” said Martin. “Trees and greenspaces are proven to
serve as a strong physical and mental health aid to all ages but especially
among children. By introducing students to forests at a young age, they will
have access to the multitude of mental and physical health benefits of trees alongside
a practical introduction to the important role of forests and trees play within
their local ecosystems.”
Funding for the program was
significantly increased this year through the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and U.S. Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry
Program, which will help Texas expand its urban forest canopy, improve air and
water quality, reduce energy consumption and enhance the health and well-being
of residents.
The application worksheets
for the grants are available in preparation for the official application
submission. These documents contain instructions, requirements and a question
form for each category required at the time of proposal submission. A guidance
document is available to serve as a manual for how the grants can be prepared,
frequently asked questions and helpful tips.
Kate Faris, Community
Forestry Grants Program Specialist, will be holding a grant webinar December 14, from noon- 1 p.m. The
webinar will serve as an informational opportunity for interested organizations
to learn more about the general timeline, details and requirements of the grant
application.
Faris will also hold
one-on-one meetings with interested organizations January 10, 17 and 24. This
will provide an opportunity for interested organizations to ask questions and
gain further guidance specific to their organization, grant category and application.
The registration for these meetings will be shared in the Community Forestry Grants Newsletter.
For information regarding
one-on-one grant meetings, newsletter sign-ups and submission details and
regulations, visit here: Community Forestry Grant Program.
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