Grants of up to $20,000 to Mississippi nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions for the development of self-sustaining, long-term community and urban forestry programs. Funding is intended to increase local capacity, training and continuing education, volunteer involvement, and planning.
Projects that demonstrate use of funding to provide the largest impact will receive priority. Grantees are encouraged to do projects of state-wide significance such as training, publications, or research that could be used to provide information on a statewide basis. First-time municipal applicants and municipalities seeking Tree City USA status are also given priority for funding. Tree planting and demonstration projects will have the lowest priority for funding.
Eligible Projects must meet Federal and State Program Objectives. Projects must be consistent with the comprehensive plan of the city or county where the project will take place. The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is intended to support new initiatives, programs, projects, staff positions, or activities not currently being funded through other sources or to expand existing programs that would not occur without grant funds.
Priority should be given to projects that maximize leveraging of federal funds, target the national U&CF program goals, stimulate U&CF activity and program development, and create involvement of volunteers.
For the list of National U&CF Program Goals, see https://www.mfc.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Urban-Community-Forestry-Grant-Application.pdf#page=3
For Regional U&CF Program Guidance and State Program Objectives, see https://www.mfc.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Urban-Community-Forestry-Grant-Application.pdf#page=4
Current Mississippi Urban and Community Forest Program objectives are listed below:
For examples of eligible projects, see https://www.mfc.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Urban-Community-Forestry-Grant-Application.pdf#page=8
Estimated Size of Grant:
Projects must be completed within one (1) year of finalized grant agreement. All major activities listed must occur within the grant year, 10/01/22 – 9/30/23, whether funded by the grant or with matching funds and should be represented in the budget.
Full applications will be accepted through email, mbooth@mfc.ms.gov Subject: “U&CF 2022 Grant Application”.
Applications submitted via paper mail, courier, or delivery service will also be accepted and should be sent to:
Mississippi Forestry Commission
Attn: Misty Booth, Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator
3139 Highway 468 West
Pearl, Mississippi 39208
For assistance in determining if your project is eligible, please call the Mississippi Forestry Commission at (601) 213-6683.