INDIANA — Local government units, park districts, and non-profit organizations across Indiana can now apply for state forestry grants aimed at expanding tree canopy, improving management practices, and enhancing green space in Hoosier communities.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Community & Urban Forestry (CUF) program officially opened application portals for its 2026 grant cycle. Funded through the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program, the funding provides direct financial assistance to support local canopy planning, tree inventory development, planting initiatives, and education.
Applications will remain open through September 11, 2026.
Two Distinct Grant Tracks Available
Applicants can select between two tailored funding opportunities depending on project scope and municipality size:
- Community & Urban Forestry Assistance (CUFA) Grant: Offers funding awards ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $30,000. Designed for comprehensive forestry management, major planting projects, inventory efforts, and educational programming across larger communities and organizations.
- Small Town Big Trees Grant: Specifically designed for smaller Indiana communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer. This award provides grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to help rural towns and small local entities build initial canopy management projects without competing against major metropolitan areas.
Eligibility and Matching Requirements
Prospective applicants should review specific guidelines and requirements before applying:
- Eligible Entities: Indiana municipalities, townships, tribal governments, counties, park districts, and non-profit organizations holding 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.
- 1:1 Matching Requirement: All grant opportunities carry a mandatory 1:1 match requirement, which can typically be met through local cash investment, in-kind services, or volunteer labor hours.
- Reimbursement Basis: Funding is awarded on a reimbursable basis, meaning recipients must complete approved project milestones and submit documentation prior to fund disbursement.
How to Apply
All grant materials, instructions, and application portals are available online. Official submission of all application documents must be completed through the Indiana State Budget Agency (SBA) portal.
Organizations with technical questions regarding eligibility or project design are encouraged to contact state forestry staff directly via email at urbanforestry@dnr.in.gov.
