Urban and Community Forestry Grants will be available to Oklahoma communities again this year. The federal grants, administered by Oklahoma Forestry Services, are intended primarily to help communities and non-profits develop local forestry plans, broaden urban forestry programs, and provide training opportunities.

The Urban and Community Forestry Grants are available to non-profit organizations, local government agencies, educational institutions, and civic or neighborhood associations. They range from $1,000 to $10,000. Recipients are required to provide matching funds in cash, donations or inkind contributions and services.

Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Grants must be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry by 5 p.m. Nov. 17, 2023.

“Research and studies have proven time and time again that trees help improve everything from personal health and quality of living issues, to boosting economic growth opportunities for private homes and local business and business districts,” said Oklahoma Urban Forestry Coordinator Mark Bays. “Trees help solve tough environmental problems commonly found in communities. The bottom line is healthy trees translate into healthy communities and healthy lives.”

“Communities that have participated in the urban forestry grants program have developed a better understanding of the value of the services trees provide,” Bays continued. “We have also been able to enhance the technical skills of those who plan, develop, and maintain trees in urban and community forests. A simple tree inventory can help communities recognize immediate concerns about their trees.”

Bays says it’s vital that rural communities and metropolitan areas take a progressive approach to caring for their trees.

“If we don’t plan for the future, we stand to lose these valuable assets in our hometowns,” Bays said.

Successful grant recipients should be notified before January 1st, 2024 and will have one year to complete their projects once started.

Grant applications are available on the Oklahoma Forestry Services website or by contacting OFS.