Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants
This grant funds Massachusetts municipalities and nonprofits to plan, plant, and manage urban forests, supporting sustainable urban forestry projects and community engagement.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Intent to Apply) | November 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $1,000–$40,000 per award; 50/50 match required (75/25 for Environmental Justice projects); project duration up to 12 months
Summary: Supports Massachusetts municipalities and nonprofits in building capacity for urban and community forestry through planning, planting, management, and partnership projects.
Key Information: Intent to Apply form is mandatory and due one month before the application deadline.
Description
This annual grant opportunity, offered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs through the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), funds projects that help municipalities and nonprofit organizations improve, protect, and manage urban forests. The program aims to build and sustain local capacity for excellent urban and community forestry management. Projects may include developing advocacy groups, adopting ordinances, training or hiring professional staff, implementing management plans, strategic tree planting, heritage tree care, community wood banks, and other initiatives resulting in sustained improvements to urban forestry.
Special consideration and enhanced match rates are available for projects serving Environmental Justice neighborhoods. All funded projects must demonstrate community engagement, strategic planning, and a commitment to long-term urban forest health.
