The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has officially launched a fresh round of funding for its Urban and Community Forestry grant program, signaling another significant opportunity for municipalities, non-profits, and community organizations to enhance urban landscapes. This latest offering under the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) reveals the state’s ongoing commitment to climate-resilient, healthy, and equitable green spaces across New York.
The grants aim to support communities in managing and growing their urban forests, an essential aspect of public health, climate change adaptation, and neighborhood revitalization. From tree planting and maintenance to developing long-term forest management plans, the projects eligible for this funding are as diverse as the towns and cities that may receive them. With increased focus on underserved communities and climate justice, the 2024 edition of this grant program is one of the most inclusive and impactful to date.
At a glance: Urban and Community Forestry Grants Overview
| Program | Urban and Community Forestry Grants |
|---|---|
| Agency | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) |
| Funding Source | Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) |
| Total Available Funding | $2.4 million |
| Application Deadline | June 28, 2024 |
| Project Types | Tree planting, maintenance, urban forest planning, invasive species removal, education |
| Who Can Apply? | Municipalities, public benefit corporations, soil and water conservation districts, schools, non-profits |
What changed this year
One of the biggest updates to this year’s program is the intentional focus on environmental justice. The DEC is dedicating a portion of the funds to support projects in **disadvantaged or historically underserved communities**, ensuring that equitable access to green infrastructure becomes a top priority. These changes reflect the state’s broader climate goals—including reducing urban heat island effects and improving neighborhood resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
Another change is the heightened emphasis on **long-term forest planning** and capacity building. Applicants are now being encouraged to develop Urban Forest Management Plans or tree inventories as foundational steps before large-scale planting efforts. This new direction shows a strategic evolution in how the state is approaching urban forestry: not merely as beautification, but as a critical infrastructure investment tied to public health and climate resilience.
This year’s grant design reflects New York’s growing commitment to inclusive, science-based urban forestry planning.
— Maria Torres, Urban Forestry Consultant
Who qualifies and why it matters
The eligibility for the Urban and Community Forestry grants remains wide to encourage diverse participation. Municipalities, non-profit organizations, public school districts, and Indian Nations with urban forestry goals are all encouraged to apply. What’s particularly notable this year is a targeted effort to reach communities that have historically lacked access to tree cover and associated environmental benefits.
Urban forestry is far more than just planting trees. It’s linked with **public health outcomes** such as improved air quality and stress reduction, as well as **climate adaptation strategies**. Trees lower temperatures, manage stormwater, and improve biodiversity. Supporting more entities to establish and manage healthy tree populations is seen as a smart investment for long-term sustainability and well-being across the state.
Urban trees are living infrastructure—and this grant program treats them that way.
— Dr. Linh Nguyen, Environmental Scientist
Types of projects eligible for funding
The 2024 forestry grants support a wide spectrum of activities. Priority will be given to comprehensive plans that enhance urban canopy and create long-term resilience, but even smaller projects will be considered. Eligible activities include:
- Tree planting and care (including pruning, watering, mulching)
- Tree inventories and canopy assessments
- Development of Urban Forest Management Plans
- Removal of invasive species to promote habitat health
- Community outreach and tree-related educational activities
- Creation or maintenance of green spaces in urban areas
Grants range from **$11,000 to $75,000**, depending on the complexity of the project and the capacity of the applicant. Larger multi-year infrastructure initiatives might receive more robust funding, especially if they align with the state’s equity and climate resilience goals.
How to apply step-by-step
Applying for the DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Grants follows a set protocol to ensure fairness and transparency. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ensure your organization or municipality qualifies under the eligibility criteria.
- Define a specific project scope that meets one or more priority objectives: equity, resilience, sustainability, or public education.
- Download and complete the application via the NYS Grants Gateway.
- Prepare all required documents, including a detailed budget, timeline, and letters of support where needed.
- Submit your completed application through the Grants Gateway system by June 28, 2024.
Applicants are also encouraged to attend the DEC’s information sessions and webinars, which offer technical support and clarification on requirements such as match funding or reporting standards.
Applying early and reaching out for technical help can vastly improve your chances of securing funding.
— Janet Kim, Non-Profit Grant Advisor
Winners and losers: who’s set to gain the most
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Disadvantaged urban neighborhoods with few green spaces | Applicants without long-term urban forest plans |
| Non-profits focused on environmental justice | Communities lacking administrative capacity to apply |
| Municipalities seeking canopy assessments or planning tools | Short-term or one-off planting projects without follow-up |
Why this program matters right now
In the face of escalating climate threats—from extreme heat to flooding—urban trees are rapidly gaining recognition as vital components of a sustainable city. New York State’s EPF-backed forestry grants provide both the financial means and technical foundation for communities to meet these challenges head-on.
Moreover, trees promote social equity. Recent studies have shown that neighborhoods with higher tree density tend to have lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and stronger community cohesion. Encouraging tree canopy expansion through strategic investment is as much a social justice move as it is an environmental one.
Green investment is no longer optional—it’s strategic, scalable, and essential.
— Priya Desai, Urban Sustainability Expert
Long-term vision and future funding
The DEC has indicated that this round of grants is part of a larger, multi-year vision to aggressively improve tree cover across New York State. Future funding rounds will likely build on the framework established in this cycle, creating opportunities for returning grantees to scale up their projects.
Applicants who think strategically and demonstrate measurable impact will find themselves well-positioned for future support. The message is clear: **urban forestry is infrastructure**—and it deserves long-term planning, reliable investment, and active community participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the DEC Urban Forestry grants?
Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits, school districts, Indian Nations, and public benefit corporations operating within New York State.
What kind of projects are most likely to be funded?
Projects that emphasize urban tree planting, forest planning, community education, and ecological restoration—especially in disadvantaged communities—are prioritized.
When is the application deadline?
All grant applications must be submitted by June 28, 2024, through the Grants Gateway portal.
Is local match funding required?
Yes, most grant categories require a local match, either in cash or in-kind services, although waivers may exist for Environmental Justice communities.
How much funding can one project receive?
Grants typically range from $11,000 to $75,000, depending on project scale, scope, and applicant capacity.
Will there be technical assistance for applicants?
Yes. The DEC provides webinars, application guides, and direct support to help potential applicants through the process.
How are the grants evaluated?
Applications are scored on criteria such as community impact, sustainability, alignment with state goals, and capacity to implement effectively.
How long do grantees have to complete their project?
Projects are generally expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months, depending on the scope and funding level.