Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants

The Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act (UF IRA) Grant program uses federal funds to support projects that positively impact trees and people within disadvantaged communities¹ in Wisconsin. Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting their projects in Wisconsin may apply for an UF IRA grant.  Eligible projects must occur in or benefit those living in disadvantaged communities (DACs) as identified by the DNR on this map and list.

A total of $4 million of IRA funds will be awarded to eligible applicants. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources intends to award all of these monies in this round of funding, as another round of IRA-funded grants is not anticipated.

Applications will be ranked based on project outcomes – the impact the project will have on the people and trees within disadvantaged communities.

Grant Details

• Grants range from $1,000 to $500,000 and require no match.
• The application period opened February 26 and applications will be due June 3, 2024.
• Applicants applying for an Urban Forestry IRA grant must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number to apply. A UEI number can be obtained by visiting www.SAM.gov.
• Projects must take place in or benefit people living in disadvantaged communities. Wisconsin DACs are shown on this map and list. These communities were identified using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool and EJScreen. For more details on how DACs are defined in Wisconsin, visit the IRA grant application guide.
• Grant projects may cover a duration up to 3 years from the project start date. No extensions past 3 years will be allowed.
• All grantees with IRA-funded projects may submit to the DNR a quarterly or annual reimbursement request including supporting financial documentation.
• Procurement: Federal grant dollars are subject to the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR). See Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200). (Specific to General Purchasing Standards, see 200.318 - 200.327.)
• The department will be implementing the Inflation Reduction Act grant funding through emergency rule. The emergency rule language in Board Order FR-06-23(E) has been approved by the Natural Resources Board and the Governor, and will be posted to the Wisconsin State Legislature website once in effect. We anticipate an effective date of April 8, 2024. The emergency rule will govern the eligible projects and the grant procedures for this IRA grant opportunity.

Resources

• Grant application
• Application guide
• Disadvantaged communities list and map
• FAQ

Webinars

DNR staff will host three webinars that outline the UF IRA grant application process and allow time for questions and answers. See the webinar schedule below:

Newsletter Updates

For the latest updates on the UF IRA Grants, click on the "Inflation Reduction Act" tag in the right-hand column of the Urban Forestry News. Subscribe to the newsletter by entering your email address or phone number, clicking on the "Forestry" drop down and selecting "Urban Forestry News."

Eligible Projects And Costs

Projects must relate to urban and community forestry, which for the purposes of this grant program is considered to be tree management, operations, and education within cities, villages, and other areas of concentrated development. Furthermore, projects must benefit disadvantaged communities.

Eligible project components include, but are not limited to:

• Extreme heat mitigation
• Planning
• Professional staff
• Proactive maintenance
• Public education and outreach
• Site preparation
• Training
• Tree planting and establishment
• Urban food forests
• Urban wood utilization
• Workforce development

Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Projects not related to urban and community forestry
• Projects not benefiting disadvantaged communities
• Construction projects: trails, fences, shelters, buildings, site grading unrelated to planting, etc.
• Land clearing or stump removal projects not directly related to tree planting or removal;
• Land or boundary surveys or title search, appraisal, sale or exchange of real property

Eligible costs are those necessary for completing the project and incurred during the project period. Costs must be documented, reasonable and consistent with the project scope. Examples include:

• Salaries and fringe benefits of people working directly on the project
• Cost of services, supplies, equipment or facilities used on the project

Application Steps

1. Obtain a resolution from your governing body designating a representative to file the application and handle all grant actions on behalf of the applicant.
   • Sample resolution
2. Complete the IRA Urban Forestry Grant Application form (8700-298B).
3. Provide a Letter of Collaboration for each project partner (not for hired service providers).

501(c)(3) organizations must include a copy of their bylaws and articles of incorporation, unless already on file with the DNR urban forestry program.

Review the IRA grant application guide for more details.

Many current browsers do not open PDF forms properly. Follow the instructions below to open the forms on this page.

1. From a desktop computer, download the PDF form (right-click on the link, then select "Save link as" or "Save target as").
2. Make a note of the file location and file name so you can access the file from your device. Do not double-click the file.
3. Open the Adobe Reader software then select "File > Open," then browse to the PDF you saved on your device.

See PDF help for additional information.

Submission

You can submit your application and authorizing resolution by electronic format (preferred).

• Print
  Review, edit if needed and file.
• Save
  File name should represent organization name and urban forestry grant year.
• Submit by email
  You will be given the opportunity to edit the message and provide attachments to an email addressed to DNRUrbanForestryGrants@wisconsin.gov.

Or, mail hard copies to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Urban Forestry Grants
518 W. Somo Ave.
Tomahawk, WI 54487

Applications must be sent or postmarked by 11:59 p.m., June 3, 2024.

Help

For questions or assistance with developing your project, contact your urban forestry coordinator. For questions regarding forms, application requirements and eligible expenses, contact Nicolle Spafford or email the program mailbox at DNRUrbanForestryGrants@wisconsin.gov.

For more information on contracting for professional services, please see our Consultants page.

For assistance in reaching disadvantaged communities to engage in related workforce development activities, please contact your local Workforce Development office.

₁This website refers to disadvantaged communities (or DACs) because this is the terminology used by the federal government. However, it could be considered deficit-based language, when many of these areas are some of our most culturally diverse, vibrant communities in Wisconsin. It’s important to recognize the strength, resilience and assets all communities contribute to Wisconsin’s culture, economic systems, landscape and vitality.