Faith action to expand tree equity and forestry workforce in disadvantaged communities in illinois indiana and wisconsin

This federal Project Grant award from the USDA Forest Service's Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727) provides $1,999,835 to the non-profit organization Faith In Place to expand tree equity and forestry workforce development in disadvantaged communities across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

The grant funds a comprehensive set of activities focused on urban forestry, environmental education, community outreach, and food security programs. Key products and services to be delivered include tree planting, ecosystem restoration, conservation planning, workforce training, and educational initiatives designed to increase tree canopy cover and improve environmental conditions in underserved areas. As a sub-grantee, Faith In Place has also partnered with The Morton Arboretum on projects centered on urban forest stewardship, stormwater mitigation, and promoting tree species diversity. These efforts include educating communities about food forests and improving access to healthy foods, as well as implementing a capacity-building model for community-led urban forest management.