The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is announcing $1 million in competitive grants to improve urban and community trees statewide, thanks to U.S. Forest Service’s Inflation Reduction Act funding. The Centering Communities in Canopy Solutions grants aim to involve communities in the design, implementation, and evaluation of urban and community forestry projects.
The funding supports communities that are underrepresented in decision-making and face environmental challenges such as higher pollution exposure and access to trees and green spaces. These grants aim to support place-based nonprofits or grassroots efforts in eligible communities across the state. This includes neighborhood associations, community groups, and volunteer organizations. Governments, educational institutions, and other nonprofits can also apply but must partner with a place-based organization in an eligible community (arcgis.dnr.state.mn.us/portal/apps/webappviewer/
index.html?id=53a99f2c3440435c80ebb5cd003f6dc8). Funds can be used for staff time, event materials, community outreach, environmental education, tree planting and care, and stewardship management plans.
Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $100,000, with no matching funds required. Initial Interest Forms are due Monday, October, 7. Applications are due Oct. 28.
Six in-person grant application sessions are scheduled throughout the state during September and October. Visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/community-forestry-grants) for the schedule and more information.