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

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

Up to $15,000 per award; projects must be completed within two years.

Supports research to improve safety techniques, equipment, and practices for arborists, with a focus on worker safety and biomechanics.

LOI approval required before full application; no grants to individuals.

--- ## Description The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) is a joint initiative of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Established in 2015, this program funds original research aimed at improving the safety of arboricultural operations. Supported projects focus on developing safer techniques and equipment for climbing, rigging, and working on trees, as well as identifying and mitigating potential hazards. Research areas include, but are not limited to, worker safety, biomechanics, tree failure mechanisms, decay assessment, mechanical pruning, lightning protection, support systems, and machine-aided climbing. Both qualitative and quantitative proposals from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines are welcome, provided they advance knowledge and practices that protect workers, residents, and property during arboricultural activities. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline (last day to submit LOI) - October 1, 2026: Full grant application deadline (applications due) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $15,000 per project - Minimum award: $5,000 per project - Projects must be completed within two years of fund disbursement --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations and institutions; grants are **not awarded to individuals**. - Proposals are welcome from a wide range of academic and technical disciplines. - TREE Fund does **not** fund: - Projects that are primarily municipal tree surveys or assessments - Tree planting programs - Studies focused on traditional forestry, timber production, agroforestry, or ecology/conservation of natural areas - Product testing primarily for the benefit of the product manufacturer - Current TREE Fund trustees and their family members are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)** - LOIs must be submitted through the [TREE Fund online portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=treefund) by September 15, 2026. - The LOI must clearly identify the Principal Investigator and institution. - Only applicants with approved LOIs are invited to submit full applications. - **Step 2: Full Application** - If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full application by October 1, 2026. - Applications must include: - Project summary and goals - Measurable outputs/outcomes - Review of current knowledge and prior research - Detailed project work plan (hypotheses, design, methodology, analyses) - Dissemination plan - Budget (with at least 10% matching funds or in-kind support; maximum 10% institutional overhead) - CVs for PI and co-investigators - Applications are submitted via the online portal. - **Review Process** - Applications are screened for eligibility and compliance. - Proposals are evaluated for team qualifications, project impact, approach, and dissemination plans. - Awards are approved by the TREE Fund Board of Trustees in December, with notifications sent by late December. --- ## Additional Information - Award funds are typically distributed in three installments: initial (after agreement), interim (after interim report), and final (after project completion). - Research findings are expected to be disseminated widely, including publication in academic and professional journals. - At least 10% of project costs must be covered by matching funds (cash or in-kind). - The same proposal may not be submitted to multiple TREE Fund grant programs simultaneously. --- ## External Links - [Program Details and Guidelines](https://treefund.org/researchgrants/safearborist) - [TREE Fund Research Grants Overview](https://treefund.org/researchgrants) - [Application Requirements](https://treefund.org/application-requirements) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=treefund) - [Instructional Video on Grant Cycles & Application](https://youtu.be/aHc3ECHgM-4?si=39DDmEDEm-j12pTG) - [Contact TREE Fund](https://treefund.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | TREE Fund Main Office | (630) 369-8300 | | Grants Manager | [Contact Form](https://treefund.org/contact) | | Application Portal Help| [hhupke@treefund.org](mailto:hhupke@treefund.org) | ---

Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF)

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