Urban and Community Forestry Grant applications due March 2

The Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program is offering up to $5,000 in grants for community-based tree projects throughout the First State. The program is open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations and certified nonprofits. Applications are limited to one project in one category (tree planting or tree management) and all funds must be utilized on publicly owned land or community open space. Grant recipients must also provide a 50-50 cost-share match, which can be met through a combination of volunteer labor, donated materials and services, or cash from non-federal sources.

This year's application deadline is Friday, March 2. Winners will be notified by Monday, April 2. Entries will be judged on a competitive basis by a committee of the Delaware Community Forestry Council. Priority will be given to first-time applicants, Tree Friendly Communities, homeowners associations and municipalities that have passed an Urban Tree Canopy Goal Resolution. No emailed or faxed submissions will be accepted, and receipt will be confirmed by email. Completed applications should be mailed to Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

In 2017, the Delaware Forest Service awarded $94,383 for 34 community forestry projects. Since 1991, over 200 organizations have received more than $1.8 million for tree planting and tree management projects throughout the First State.

Grants are made possible by the U.S. Forest Service and state funding. The goal of the annual grant program is to increase urban tree canopy throughout Delaware by promoting quality tree planting and management projects; diversify, enhance and promote the proper stewardship of Delaware's urban forest resources; encourage sustainable urban and community forestry programs throughout Delaware; and promote proper stormwater management practices for better air and water quality.

The Delaware Forest Service is committed to providing a range of technical and informational assistance to residents of communities in the First State. For more information or to apply, go to www.delawaretrees.com.