Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative Grant
Supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research to advance understanding and promotion of urban forests, fostering partnerships among arborists, urban foresters, and allied professionals.
Funder: Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 per award; typically one-year projects; $25,000 from the Skiera Fund and $5,000 from the John White Memorial Fund annually.
Summary: Supports collaborative research and projects that build partnerships between urban forestry professionals and related disciplines to promote the value of urban forests.
Key Information: LOI required; TREE Fund does not fund individuals, tree planting, municipal surveys, or product testing for company benefit.
Description
This grant supports interdisciplinary research and projects that foster communication and partnership between arborists, urban foresters, and allied professionals such as public works officials, engineers, wildlife researchers, and soil scientists. The initiative aims to enhance understanding and promotion of urban forests' value, encouraging both quantitative and qualitative studies on topics like urban forest benefits, policy, program implementation, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem services. The program is administered by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund in partnership with the Skiera Family, Wisconsin Arborist Association, and International Society of Arboriculture.
