2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- USDA-FS-UCF-01-2026
- Agency
-
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
- Applications due
- Award size
- $200,000 to $750,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Categories
-
- Community Development
- Disaster Prevention and Relief
- Environment
- Natural Resources
- Eligible applicants
-
- Independent School Districts
- State Governments
- Higher Education Inst. (Public)
- County Governments
- Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- Public or Indian Housing Auth.
- City/Township Governments
- Special District Governments
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Points of contact
-
- Nancy N Stremple nancy.stremple@usda.gov (202) 205-7829
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Forest Service is soliciting applications for the 2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program, with applications due October 12, 2026, and mandatory 1:1 cost matching using non-federal funds (cash, services, or in-kind contributions).
Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments; 501(c)(3) nonprofits; public higher education institutions; independent school districts; county governments; city/township governments; special district governments; and public or Indian housing authorities. Federal agencies, private businesses, individuals, and non-U.S. entities are ineligible. All applicants must maintain active SAM.gov registration and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier.
The Forest Service will distribute up to $1 million across 3–5 awards, with individual awards not exceeding $500,000. The anticipated award date is December 12, 2026. Grants are eligible for three-year awards with possible two-year extensions, not to exceed five years total.
The 2026 program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization by converting wood from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into products including lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, and biochar. Projects must demonstrate support for existing community forestry plans, apply industry-recognized safety and tree-care standards, and deliver clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Competitive proposals should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification.
Required performance indicators include tons of wood diverted from waste (target 500 tons), volume of wood products produced (target 200,000 board feet), estimated value added (target $750,000), individuals trained (target 120), industry-recognized certifications earned (target 80), jobs created or retained (target 60), increased processing capacity (target 40 percent), recurring buyers (target 25), and documented energy savings (target $50,000).
Applications require a 10-page project narrative and budget narrative using SF-424 and SF-424A. Recipients must submit semi-annual performance reports. Unallowable costs include building construction, equipment purchases, and self-promotion marketing unrelated to the funded project. Projects must conform to Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (16 U.S.C. 2105).
The program operates under CFDA 10.675 (Urban and Community Forestry Program).
Synopsis
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year's program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience.
The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification.
This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners.
Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C. 2105] Urban and Community Forestry Assistance) as amended.
Update #2 ·
The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year's program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience.
The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification.
This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners.
Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C. 2103d] Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program) as amended.
Update #1 ·
The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year's program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience.
The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification.
This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| BudgetNarrativeAttachments_1_2-V1.2.zip | ZIP file | |
| NOFO UCF_Challenge_Cost_Share (1).pdf | ||
| SF424A-V1.0.pdf | ||
| SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity