The Montana Urban and Community Forestry Association (MUCFA), with funding from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is offering four small grants of $ 2,500 each to support communities in developing or updating tree inventories and tree care and management plans. The funding opportunity is designed specifically for incorporated and unincorporated cities in rural, and/or low canopy communities with populations under 3,500.

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Grant Timeline

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April 28:  Call for applications

May 31:   Application Deadline

June 1 - June 15:  Review Committee Evaluation

June 16:  Award Notification & Grant Agreements

June 16 - October 31, 2025:  Grant Implementation

November 15:  Final Reporting

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Grant Coverage and Program Administration

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• What's Covered: Contractor fees for conducting or updating tree inventories and developing tree care and management plans. An iPad will be provided to the awarded communities for the inventory. Funding will provide $ 2,500 to complete as much of the community tree inventory as possible. If a community has more trees requiring inventory, training will be provided so communities can complete the remaining inventory work independently or in collaboration with partners.

• Fund Management:  MUCFA will directly manage funds by covering contractor and operational expenses on behalf of awarded communities. Funds will not be distributed to communities: instead, MUCFA will handle payments to reduce the administration and financial burden on communities.

• Matching Funds: Not required. However, applicants must commit staff or volunteer time for training and implentation.

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Eligibility & Requirements

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• Population under 3,500

• Must qualify as a low income and/or low canopy incorporated or unincorporated city. Please confirm eligibility through this mapping tool - areas shaded purple or yellow indicate qualifying communities.

• Must engage staff, volunteers, or tree board members in the inventory and management plan process.

• A designated individual must be identified to mange the inventory after project completion.

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