Program Development and IRA Funding Grant
This year’s RFP has funding from two USDA Forest Service sources. These sources fund similar activities but have different eligibility criteria and different match requirements. Organizations can apply to receive funds from both sources depending on project eligibility.
- Urban and Community Forestry Program Funds - $100,000 available (3:1 match requirement) the traditional Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program Development Grants offered with a reduced match requirement for 2024. Project locations throughout the state.
- New: Inflation Reduction Act Funds (IRA) - $300,000 available (no match requirement) for projects that take place entirely within a disadvantaged area as defined by the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Grant Tool. This tool identifies areas that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution in national datasets. No match is required for these funds, but additional tracking and reporting requirements may be required.
DNRC will offer at least one other round of IRA funding in the fall of 2024.
Application period is now open. Closes February 16, 2024.
Informational webinar recording from December 12, 2023 regarding the IRA & PD Grant funding opportunity can be accessed by clicking on the image below.
Overview of IRA & PD Grants changes: 2:21
Using the Submittable platform & quick facts: 18:22
DNRC’s IRA Map Tutorial: 29:25
Q&A session: 38:53
Tree Planting Grants
For the purchase and planting of one or more trees in the celebration of Arbor Day.
- All communities are eligible for a $350 grant
- Tree City USA communities are eligible for a $850 grant
- The grant requires submission of an Arbor Day Proclamation
- Matching funds are encouraged but not required
- “Tree-centric” grants, meaning trees are the only plant materials eligible for purchase
Application period is now open. Closes February 16, 2024.
Helpful Resources and Documents:
- Helpful Guide for Grant Process Steps
- Arbor Day Authorization Statement
- UCF Project Report Form
- SAMPLE UCF Project Report Form
- SAMPLE Long-Term Maintenance Plan
- Tree Planting Specifications
- Bid Verification Form
- Volunteer Hours Tracking Sheet
- Subaward Grant Manual
- Submittable UCF Budget Table
- TEMPLATE Arbor Day Proclamation
- Midterm Report Template
*The Request for Proposal process has been streamlined, using an online platform called Submittable.
- For first-time users, you will be prompted to set up a new user account.
- To access the Common Questions Center related to our new RFP platform, please visit the Submittable Help Center by clicking here.
- Submittable Tips and Tricks