The Community Forestry program offers several grant opportunities for communities. Grant applications are accepted September 2 through October 24, 2025. All communities interested in obtaining an application must contact NDFS Community Forestry Staff.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Mitigation
What: Preemptive approach to lessen the impact emerald ash borer will have on North Dakota communities.
Who: Public entities; multiple entities within the same community can apply for this grant.
Project Ideas: Removal of publicly-owned ash (Fraxinus) trees and replanting a mix of diverse shade trees in a 1:1 ratio at a minimum is required.
Amount: 80:20 match with a maximum grant award of $25,000. Funding from the North Dakota State Legislature.
Deadline: October 24, 2025
Community Family Forest (CFF)
What: Planting trees in ND communities and strengthening the tradition of annual tree planting
Who: Public entities; only one grant application will be accepted per community
Project Ideas: Arbor Day tree planting, pocket park in downtown, small tree planting to encourage community involvement
Amount: 80/20 match with a maximum $1,500; Tree City USA communities are eligible for a maximum award of $2,000. Funded by the Trees for North Dakota Trust Fund
Deadline: Not Available Fall 2025
America the Beautiful Tree Planting (ATB TP)
What: Tree planting projects that increase the diversity of trees in the community
Who: Public entities; multiple entities within the same community can apply for this grant
Project Ideas: Small-large scale planting project, replant trees where mature trees have been removed, start a community orchard
Amount: 50:50 match with a maximum grant award of $10,000. Co-sponsored by the US Forest Service
Deadline: Not Available Fall 2025
America the Beautiful Program Development (ATB-PD)
What: Community forestry projects other than tree planting
Who: Public entities; multiple entities within the same community can apply for this grant
Project Ideas: Removal of ash trees as part of an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Community Forestry Action Plan, develop a Community Forestry Action Plan, removal of trees with Dutch elm disease or identified as high risk, inventory of publicly-owned trees, pruning for structure and clearance, educational outreach, attend a workshop, job shadow an arborist
Amount: 50:50 match with a maximum grant award of $10,000. Co-sponsored by the US Forest Service
Deadline: Not Available Fall 2025
