John Z. Duling Grant Program
Seed funding for early-stage, innovative research or technology projects to advance arboriculture, with 2026 priorities including propagation, plant selection, new varieties, and arboriculture practice.
Funder: Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per award; project duration 1–3 years; one award per project.
Summary: Provides seed funding for innovative, early-stage research and technology projects to advance arboriculture practice.
Description
The program offers start-up or seed funding to support exploratory and innovative research or technology transfer projects with the potential to benefit the daily work of arborists. It is specifically designed for early-stage, untested, but potentially transformative ideas, including new research methodologies or novel disciplinary perspectives. For 2026, priority topics include propagation, plant selection, development of new varieties, planting and establishment, and arboriculture theory and practice. Both qualitative and quantitative proposals from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines are encouraged.
