USDA-FS-UCF-01-2026: 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
Closed
This grant is closed. Who won this program's grants before is below, and similar open grants are at the end of the page. It is in our archive of Forest Service notices from 2026.
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.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed August 13, 2026. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award ceiling$750,000
- Award floor$200,000
- Total funding$1.0 million
- Expected awards5
- Cost sharingRequired
- Funding typeGrant
Other notices with this title
| Notice | Posted | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA-FS-UCF-010-2024 | November 16, 2023 | Closed March 21, 2024 | Closed |
Key dates
| Posted | August 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes.
All 9 applicant types the notice lists
- 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
Is this a realistic fit?
- Past Urban and Community Forestry Program awards averaged $294,511; this notice allows up to $750,000 per award.
- Most of the program's money (53% over five years) went to state and local governments.
- The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.
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.
Who has won Urban and Community Forestry Program grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Urban and Community Forestry Program (10.675) awarded $46.8 million across 159 grant awards, an average of $294,511 per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Natural Resources Illinois | Illinois | 3 | $5.0 million |
| Department of Natural Resources | Michigan | 3 | $3.0 million |
| California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection | California | 2 | $3.0 million |
| Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | Minnesota | 4 | $3.0 million |
| State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources | Maryland | 3 | $2.4 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Agencies often post the same opportunity again under a new number, so check the program's notices on Grants.gov and the similar open grants below.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
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.
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