# 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/usda-fs-ucf-01-2026-2026-national-urban-and-community-forestry-challenge-cost/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361315

> Forest Service offered grants of up to $750,000 (at least $200,000) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. It expected to make about 5 awards worth $1.0 million in total. Applications closed on October 12, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | USDA-FS-UCF-01-2026 |
| Agency | Forest Service |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $750,000 |
| Award floor | $200,000 |
| Expected awards | 5 |
| Total funding | $1.0 million |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 10.675 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

## What the grant funds

The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year’s program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience. The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification. This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners. Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C. 2105] Urban and Community Forestry Assistance) as amended.

## Questions people ask

### Is USDA-FS-UCF-01-2026 still open?

No. It closed on October 12, 2026.

### Who can apply for 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program?

Forest Service accepted applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes.

### What is the deadline for 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program?

Closed October 12, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $750,000 each. About $1.0 million in total across about 5 awards.

### Who has won Urban and Community Forestry Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Department of Natural Resources Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The program made 159 awards worth $46.8 million in that time.