Cost-Share Grants
Please check this web page periodically for further information.
Please note: Any questions and/or concerns with 2005, 2006 and 2007-08 Urban and Community Forestry Grants or 2006 Snow Storm Grants, which have already been awarded, should be directed to the contact below.
Debra Gorka, Forester
NYS DEC
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4253
518-402-9413
DEC is not Currently Accepting Urban Forestry Grant Applications
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. Can Quick Start Arbor Day funding be used for a 2008 or prior Arbor Day event?
No. As grants will not be awarded until after Arbor Day 2008 is past, and expenses that are incurred prior to the contract period are ineligible for funding, these grants will be used to plan and hold events in 2009.
2. Can other State funding be used as match?
No. Federal or other State funding will not be considered as eligible match.
3. Will our application lose points because costs for everything, including trees, equipment, and labor are much higher in our geographic area than in other parts of the State?
No. DEC Foresters in our Regional offices will be participating in application evaluations to help us determine if a budget is reasonable for the location of the project.
4. Can a town, county, or partnership of municipalities with a population over 65,000, qualify to apply for the larger grant amount for "large cities"?
No. The only communities that qualify as "large cities" are Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers.
5. Can tree planting or other projects be done on property owned by a not-for-profit?
No. Projects must be located on public property or rights-of-way.
6. Is a community receiving funding from a prior grant year eligible to apply again?
Yes, provided it is not for the same activities of the same project.
7. Are SUNY colleges and universities eligible for the Urban Forestry Grants?
No. State Agencies are not eligible applicants for this grant.
8. If we want to apply for a tree planting grant for projects in two different sections of the Village, should we apply for each section separately, or on one grant application?
You should apply for one tree planting grant and give descriptions of both areas within your Village in which you will be planting.
9. If a municipality wants to hold an arbor day celebration in partnership with another municipality on the same property or location, will they have to file separate applications?
Yes, all parties involved will have to file separate applications indicating the separation of duties or tasks to be completed by either party so that there is no duplication of effort.
10. Does everyone applying for a 2007/08 Urban and Community Forestry grant need to submit documentation of ownership?
No, only not-for-profit organizations. Not-for-profits must be able to document adequate ownership rights in and to the subject property, and that the ownership or use of the subject property is of a public nature. A duly licensed attorney is to provide an opinion of counsel certifying that the applicant has title or other property right or license in and to the property, that such right allows use of a public nature, and the right to undertake the project.
11. If a "Free Library" is incorporated as a 501.c.3 (not-for-profit) agency, its property is not technically publicly owned, but is dedicated for "fee and open access" and receives public funding support, would they be an eligible grant recipient for projects on the library's property?
Not-for-profits acting on behalf of a public ownership interest in the property or acting on behalf of a public property owner may apply. Such an interest may be outright ownership (fee simple), or a lesser interest such as development rights, an easement, or a long-term lease. The application must include letters of support from all participating partners, and/or municipalities stating that they will participate in the project. Not-for-Profits who submit applications must be able to document adequate ownership rights in and to the subject property, and that the ownership or use of the subject property is of a public nature. A duly licensed attorney is to provide an opinion of counsel certifying that the applicant has title or other property right or license in and to the property, that such right allows use of a public nature, and the right to undertake the project.
Request for Proposals
DEC is requesting proposals for grants that will be available for a variety of Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) projects, in support of State commitments to address issues of climate change, environmental degradation, Environmental Justice, and urban sprawl. Greening New York's urban landscapes reduces stormwater run-off, water and air pollution, the Heat Island Effect, energy use, and noise. Community greenspaces create wildlife habitat; aid in brownfield restoration, increase property values, and improve quality of life for urban and sub-urban residents and visitors.
An anticipated $900,000 in grants will be available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner. Communities may request from $2,500 to $75,000, depending on municipal population, with a 50/50 match requirement. Eligible projects include tree inventories and management plans; tree and shrub planting and maintenance; and green infrastructure projects including green roofs and rain gardens. Additionally, $1000 Quick Start Arbor Day grants, with no match requirement will be available to help communities generate support for a tree program with an Arbor Day celebration. Funds are made available from the Environmental Protection Fund and will be managed and allocated by DEC.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
The State Urban and Community Forestry Program seeks to encourage and assist municipalities as they develop and implement sustainable local urban forestry programs. Grants are designed to encourage communities to actively enhance tree cover along their streets and in their parks, to properly care for and maintain their community trees, to develop tree inventories and management plans, and to inform their residents of the value and benefits of urban trees.
Trees located throughout neighborhoods and parks provide shade for people and structures allowing for a reduction in cooling systems usage, which creates an energy savings. Trees create wildlife habitat; increase real estate property values; reduce air and water pollution, and generally improve quality of life for New York urban residents. These grants are intended to have a lasting impact on communities, especially where there is a need for increased tree cover and tree care.
Local communities should give appropriate consideration to under-served neighborhoods within their urban areas when selecting sites for tree planting projects. Grant applicants should indicate if they leverage or compliment other federal, state or municipal projects for urban areas that are designed to revitalize their neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all residents. Proposals should demonstrate how an urban forestry project will improve the tree cover in parks or open spaces, have a positive impact on urban air and water resources, enhance the quality of urban life, and improve associated public health.
Who May Apply
Municipalities, public benefits corporations, public authorities, school districts, and not-for-profit corporations having a public ownership interest in the property or acting on behalf of a public property owner may apply for these grants. Such an interest may be outright ownership (fee simple), or a lesser interest, such as development rights, an easement or a long-term lease.
How to Apply
For additional questions on the application process, the eligibility of your grant application, or its content, please call the New York State Urban and Community Forestry Program at (518) 402-9425.
Program description, instructions and full application (85 kb pdf)
Application form only (Microsoft Word)
Grant applications will provide the application procedure and all instructions for needed paperwork and documentation.
For more information contact your local DEC office.
