2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
This grant funds projects that help communities turn urban wood waste into valuable products, supporting local economies, job creation, and better forest management.
Funder: Forest Service
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$750,000 per award on Grants.gov; $1 million estimated program funding
Summary: Funds replicable projects that turn wood from community trees into useful products and local benefits.
Key Information: Applications require a 1:1 non-federal match and active SAM.gov registration at submission.
Description
The USDA Forest Service’s National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program supports communities and their partners in addressing economic, health, and environmental challenges. The 2026 focus is community tree resource utilization: turning wood from pruning, removals, storms, and pest or disease outbreaks into products such as lumber, furniture, flooring, or biochar. The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable ways to reduce waste and disposal costs, strengthen local economies, and improve community resilience.
The Forest Service administers the program with the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, which defines annual grant categories. Proposals should build on community forestry plans, apply industry-recognized safety and tree-care standards, and identify anticipated products, professional or industry partnerships, and economic, environmental, or workforce benefits.
