About

The Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Grant program is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). With funding from a federal award of the U/S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forestry Division. Funding sources include Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Urban and Community Forestry Program funds.

Grant Cycle

The Request for Proposal (RFP) opens on November 27, 2023.  The Urban and Community Forestry Grant RFP opportunity closes on February 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Learn More

  • Montana Cities
  • Montana Townships
  • Montana Counties
  • Montana State of Public Institutes of Higher Knowledge
  • Non-Profits
  • Montana Tribal Governments
  • Montana Community Based Organizations applying on behalf of a community

There are two sources of funding this year.

Urban and Community Forestry Program Funds - $100,000 available (3:1 match requirement) the traditional UCF Program Development Grants offered with a reduced match for 2024. Projects may take place anywhere in the state.

New: Inflation Reduction Funds (IRA) $300,000 available (no match required) for projects that take place entirely within a disadvantaged area as defined by the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Grant Tool

Project examples may include but are not limited to:

  • Public education of urban forest health and benefits
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Environmental equality, watershed-based partnerships
  • Expand opportunities for underserved and at-risk populations
  • Advancing inventory, assessment and management plans
  • Identify areas lacking canopy cover to strategically plant trees
  • Support the use of food forests
  • Workforce development and training
  • Hazardous tree removal

Please review the Request for Proposal for more details.

These projects are meant to be large-scale and have a long-term community impact.

Minimum grant request is $10,000

Maximum request is $50,000 including indirect costs (if requesting). 

Match is waived for projects that are entirely within a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) as defined by the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Grant Tool.

Projects that take place outside of a DAC tract will have a 3:1 match requirement.

Contact Us

Jamie Kirby
Urban Forestry Program Manager
406-542-4288
jamiekirby@mt.gov

Alexis Armstrong
Forestry Assistance Program Support Technician
406-542-4207
alexis.armstong@mt.gov