INDIANA — Local municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions across Indiana have one month remaining to apply for nearly $500,000 in grant funding dedicated to enhancing local canopy cover and community forestry management.
Administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Community & Urban Forestry program, $474,793 in funding is available through the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program.
The application period will officially close on Friday, September 11, 2026, with award notifications set to follow on October 12, 2026.
Available Grant Programs
Applicants can apply for two distinct grant tracks depending on their project scope and community size. While organizations may submit proposals for both grants, funding approval for multiple projects is not guaranteed.
1. Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant
- Funding Limits: Minimum $1,000 | Maximum $30,000
- Eligible Projects: Tree inventories, urban canopy management plans, public tree plantings, and educational forestry initiatives.
2. Small Town Big Trees Grant
- Funding Limits: Minimum $500 | Maximum $5,000
- Eligibility: Exclusively available to Indiana communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer residents.
- Eligible Projects: Local tree plantings, inventory development, and basic municipal management planning.
How to Apply
All official grant guidelines, application instructions, and documentation are available on the IDNR website.
Final applications must be formally submitted electronically through the Indiana State Budget Agency (SBA) portal.
For questions regarding project eligibility or the application process, contact Racheal Stenger via email at RStenger@dnr.IN.gov.
