2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
This grant funds practical urban and community forestry projects that expand tree-wood utilization into useful products for community economic, environmental, resilience, or workforce benefits.
⚑ Challenge Cost Share program; cost share/match expected · Focus is on practical, replicable community tree resource utilization projects, not basic research · Applicants include educational institutions among eligible classes
This is primarily a forestry/wood-utilization implementation and workforce/economic development grant, not the team’s core social-science program. It is about community tree product supply chains and operational forestry practice rather than the team’s usual survey, risk perception, warning communication, energy, or education-policy research lines.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-08-13
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 70 strong | technical depth: substantial; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 58 good | portfolio topics: environment, emergency_disaster_resilience (primary); signature methods: community engaged; social/behavioral work is minor; funds applied research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 40 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year’s program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience.
The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification.
This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: Nancy N Stremple Urban Forestry Program Splst <nancy.stremple@usda.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · USDA NIFA conventions SEE A USDA EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — USDA NIFA's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.