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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through funding from the USDA Forest Service’s Inflation Reduction Act, is offering Urban Forestry Development grants to support community-based tree and forestry projects across Iowa.
These competitive, reimbursable grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 per applicant and do not require a match. The two-year program supports projects taking place in the spring and fall of 2026 and 2027.
Eligible projects include developing community forestry plans, establishing urban food forests, hosting educational programs, and supporting workforce development through forestry internships. Funding is available to community governmental entities, volunteer groups, and service organizations involved in managing and caring for urban and community forests—such as trees in parks, natural areas, and public rights-of-way.
The grants are designed to address community-identified urban forestry needs while advancing environmental and public health benefits. Eligibility is determined using the program’s Assessment Tool.
The application and requirements are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbangrants. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on March 17, 2026. Award recipients will be notified by March 31, 2026.
Contact Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031 for questions about the application, reimbursement and rules. Contact Laurie Dams at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414 for application assistance, eligible projects, or to set up a site visit.
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