RFP: 2010 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources, which can, if well managed, improve the public’s health, well being, and economic vitality, and create resilient ecosystems for present and future generations.

Through the U.S. Forest Service’s competitive Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council only supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or widespread application and impact. All proposals must apply to Urban and Community Forestry program authorities as designated by Congress in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (Section 9) [Section 9 Urban and Community Forestry only (PDF, pp. 19-24)] and the annual criteria set forth by the Council. A listing of the previously funded projects can be viewed at http://www.urbanforestrysouth.org/research/nucfac

Definition of Urban and Community Forestry: The art, science, and technology of managing trees, forests, and natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns for the health and well-being of all people. For more information click on the link and type in the CFDA number 10:675.

The Council is offering Innovation Grants for program development, research, and collaboration to address the following four (4) strategic priority issues widely seen as confronting the urban and community forestry community at a national or multi-state level: Energy Conservation, Climate Change, Public Health, and Green Infrastructure Assessment. For the purposes of this grant process, the Council defines innovation to include new, unfamiliar, or uncommon efforts to address any or all of these four priority issues.

The Council seeks proposals from organizations, agencies, and partnerships to fund innovative projects that will demonstrate the reach, resources, and expertise needed to address the four priority issues in ways that lead to meaningful, replicable results. As much as $900,000 is available in 2009-2010 for four or more Innovation Grants.

Potential Innovation grantees are encouraged to work collaboratively with other organizations, particularly those not traditionally involved in urban and community forestry. Applicants should consider multi-year projects and other sources of funds, including other Federal cooperative conservation sources. Potential grantees are asked to develop clear and explicit letters of intent that include narratives explaining the challenge, general methods, expected outcomes, partners (with letters documenting participation and support), post-project information, technology transfer, and approximate cost.)