Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program

Goals of the U&CF Program

An important goal of Mississippi’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is to inspire or enhance local or statewide urban and community forestry programs with an emphasis on increasing:

• Local capacity
• Volunteer involvement
• Planning
• Training and continuing education

Funding Priorities

Projects that demonstrate use of funding to provide the largest impact will receive priority. Grantees are encouraged to do projects of state-wide significance such as training, publications, or research that could be used to provide information on a statewide basis. First-time municipal applicants and municipalities seeking Tree City USA status are also given priority for funding. Tree planting and demonstration projects will have the lowest priority for funding.

Who is Eligible for the U&CF Grant?

Funds may be awarded to units of local governments (city, town, county), non-profit organizations or educational institutions. Other organizations, such as community tree volunteer groups, neighborhood associations or civic groups which are not 501(c)3 eligible, must apply in partnership with a non-profit organization or with their local government. All grant recipients must be able to receive grant funds via Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs).

Eligible Projects

The U&CF Grant Program is intended to support new initiatives, programs, projects, staff positions, and activities not currently being funded through other sources or to expand existing programs that would not occur without grant funds.  It is not intended to substitute for current funding levels.

The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is not intended for the purpose of beautification tree plantings, and a maximum of 15% of the Federal funds awarded is allowable for plant material and tree planting.

Projects will benefit from having clearly stated goals, well-thought-out budgets, and well planned scheduling that utilizes volunteers, creates local partnerships, promotes development of local community forestry programs, has a long-term focus and benefits and/or has an educational or technology transfer component.

Specific project examples in the following categories, which support the program’s objectives, are offered in the U&CF Grant Program Proposal Information Package:

• Urban and Community Forestry Program Development
• Urban and Community Forestry Program Improvement
• Non-profit Program Development
• Tree Planting Projects
• Information, Education, and Training
• Demonstration and Site-Specific Projects
• Regional and Statewide Special Projects

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Trail design, construction or maintenance
• Property acquisition and related costs
• Beautification projects
• Tree removal and maintenance
• Construction projects
• Equipment purchases
• Projects that will take place on private property (land not open to the public)

Application Details

The Grant deadline is September 15, 2022.

Completed applications will be accepted electronically. To apply electronically, email the completed application form and all required documentation to mbooth@mfc.ms.gov. Please write 2022 U&CF Grant Proposal – “Your city or organization” in the subject line.

Applications submitted via paper mail, courier, or delivery service will also be accepted and should be sent to:

Mississippi Forestry Commission
Attn: Misty Booth
Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator
3139 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208

Additional Urban & Community Forestry Grants

Additional urban grants for local governments are available through the following entities:

• National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
• Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
• Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

More Information

For additional information about the Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program or other urban grant opportunities, contact: 

Misty Booth
Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator
mbooth@mfc.ms.gov