Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced two federally funded grant programs totaling $1.23 million for urban and community forestry projects, with application deadlines in August 2026. The programs are available through DEEP's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Opportunities webpage and target different eligible applicant pools with different project scopes.
The Urban Forest Resilience Grant Program makes $230,000 available to municipalities and 501(c)(3) organizations for tree removal and replanting in response to forest pest and disease losses, particularly from the Emerald Ash Borer. The program requires a 50:50 match and mandates that two trees be planted for every one removed. Applications are due August 3, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Funding comes from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) grant.
The Resilient Forestry Practices Grant Program provides $1 million to rural municipalities and federally recognized tribes with populations under 50,000. It focuses on proactive forest management practices targeting pests, invasive species, and climate-related stressors in municipally and tribally owned woodlands. No match is required. Applications are due August 31, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. This program is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) via the USDA Forest Service and the Forest Stewardship Program. Applicant eligibility must be verified through the LSR Project Planning Tool prior to applying.
DEEP's announcement included a noteworthy line: while encouraging eligible organizations to apply, the agency stated directly that "future federal funding opportunities for urban and community forestry are not anticipated in the near term." That framing reflects broader uncertainty about IRA-funded programs under the current federal administration, and it positions these two grant rounds as among the last available in this category for the foreseeable future. Since 2024, DEEP's Urban and Community Forestry Program has sub-awarded nearly $2.4 million to support 35 projects in 25 municipalities. Connecticut also committed under Public Act 23-206 to increasing tree cover in low-canopy communities, which adds a state policy layer to what is now primarily federal grant activity.
For facilities and sustainability teams at Connecticut municipalities or eligible nonprofits, first-time applicants are directed to review DEEP's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Starter Guide before preparing a submission. DEEP also provides grant budget and timeline templates on the same page. Questions can be directed to DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov.
