By Nicolle R. Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grants Manager; Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

The 2025 Urban Forestry Grant application deadline was Oct. 1, 2024, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received 67 applications, totaling over $1 million in funding requests. In total, $629,680 is available in grant funding for 2025.

Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting their project in Wisconsin are eligible to apply for an Urban Forestry Grant. The grants range from $1,000 to $25,000, and grant applicants must match each grant dollar for dollar. Grants are awarded to projects that align with state and national goals for increasing the urban forest canopy and the benefits it provides.

Applicants will be notified of funding status by mid-December, and successful applicants will receive a grant agreement in December. Grants are in effect from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025.