[Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund](https://treefund.org)

September 15, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 1, 2026 (Full application)

Up to $10,000 per project; project duration 1–2 years; one award per project.

Supports international research in arboriculture, tree health, and risk assessment outside the United States.

For researchers primarily outside the US; LOI required before full application.

--- ## Description The Jack Kimmel International Grant Program, administered by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) in partnership with the Canadian TREE Fund, provides funding for research projects in arboriculture and urban forestry conducted primarily outside the United States. The program honors Jack Kimmel, a leader in arboriculture, and aims to advance global knowledge and best practices in tree health, arboriculture theory, and risk assessment. Research findings are expected to be widely accessible to benefit the international arboriculture community. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline:** September 15, 2026 - **Full application deadline:** October 1, 2026 LOIs must be approved before applicants are invited to submit a full application. Recommendations for awards are made in December, with notifications typically sent within one month of approval. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** $10,000 per project - **Project duration:** 1–2 years - **One award per project** (no renewals or additional awards for the same project) - **Use of funds:** Research directly aligned with arboriculture theory and practice, tree health, or risk assessment and mitigation --- ## Eligibility - **Location:** Principal Investigator and primary research activities must be outside the United States. - **Applicants:** Open to researchers affiliated with academic or research institutions; grants are not made to individuals. - **Focus Areas (2026):** - Arboriculture theory and practice (e.g., pruning, fertilization, climbing) - Tree health - Risk assessment and mitigation (including decay and structural integrity) - **Ineligible Projects:** - Municipal tree surveys or assessments - Tree planting programs - Studies focused on forestry/timber production, agroforestry, or conservation of natural areas - Product testing for the benefit of the manufacturer - Grants to individuals (must be through institutions) - **Other Restrictions:** Current TREE Fund trustees and their immediate families are ineligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent (LOI):** - Submit via the [TREE Fund online portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=treefund) by September 15, 2026. - LOI must identify the Principal Investigator and institution, and summarize the project. - TREE Fund will review LOIs and notify applicants if they are invited to submit a full application. 2. **Full Application:** - By invitation only, due October 1, 2026. - Application requirements include: - Project summary and goals - Measurable outputs/outcomes - Review of current knowledge and previous research - Detailed work plan and methodology - Dissemination strategy - Budget (including at least 10% matching cash or in-kind support; max 10% institutional overhead) - CVs of PI and co-investigators (up to 4 allowed) - All text sections have firm word limits. 3. **Review and Award:** - Proposals are screened for eligibility, adherence to guidelines, and alignment with TREE Fund’s mission. - Competitive review by an international committee. - Award decisions made in December; recipients notified within one month. 4. **Reporting and Dissemination:** - Research findings must be shared widely, including academic journals and practitioner channels. - TREE Fund must be acknowledged in all dissemination. --- ## Additional Information - **Matching Requirement:** At least 10% of project cost must be from matching cash or in-kind support (unrecovered overhead may count). - **Overhead:** Institutional overhead capped at 10%. - **Grant Agreement:** Must be signed within one month of award notification. - **Funds Distribution:** Typically in three payments—upon agreement, after interim report, and after final report. - **Recent Awards:** See examples of funded projects on the [program page](https://treefund.org/researchgrants/kimmel). --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Portal](https://treefund.org/researchgrants/kimmel) - [TREE Fund Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=treefund) - [Application Requirements](https://treefund.org/application-requirements) - [Sample Grant Agreement & Resources](https://treefund.org/grants/grant-recipient-resources) - [Instructional Video (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/aHc3ECHgM-4?si=39DDmEDEm-j12pTG) --- ## Contact Information | Role/Office | Contact Method | |------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | TREE Fund Office | [Contact Form](https://treefund.org/contact) | | | Phone: (630) 369-8300 | | Grants Manager | Heath Hupke – [hhupke@treefund.org](mailto:hhupke@treefund.org) | ---

Jack Kimmel International Grant Program

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