INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Community & Urban Forestry program has officially opened applications for two distinct grant opportunities aimed at enhancing and protecting the state’s local tree canopies. A total of $474,793 in funding is available to support community and urban forestry initiatives throughout Indiana.
The Indiana DNR is administering the funds through the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program.
Local governments and eligible organizations have until September 11, 2026, to submit their applications, with official award notifications scheduled for October 12, 2026.
Two Unique Grant Opportunities Available
Applicants may apply for more than one grant, though funding for multiple projects is not guaranteed. Organizers emphasize the importance of reviewing the application instructions for each specific grant carefully.
1. Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant
- Funding Amount: Minimum $1,000 to a maximum of $30,000.
- Eligible Projects: This grant supports a wide variety of forestry initiatives, including tree inventories, comprehensive management plans, community tree planting projects, and other related activities.
2. Small Town Big Trees Grant
- Funding Amount: Minimum $500 to a maximum of $5,000.
- Eligibility: This specific pool of funding is restricted strictly to smaller Hoosier communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer.
- Eligible Projects: Similar to the CUFA grant, accepted projects may include local tree inventories, management plans, tree plantings, and more.
How to Apply
All comprehensive grant materials, guidelines, and informational resources are hosted directly on the Indiana DNR website.
However, all final applications must be submitted digitally through the State Budget Agency (SBA) portal website.
For questions, eligibility clarifications, or further assistance regarding the application process, interested parties can contact Racheal Stenger via email at RStenger@dnr.IN.gov.
