DNR’s Inflation Reduction Act Grant Application Period Now Closed; Recipients To Be Announced In July

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the application period for 2024 federal Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grants is now closed. DNR staff are in the process of reviewing applications and determining awards. Successful applicants will receive a portion of the $4 million available, with project funding requests ranging from $7,000 to $500,000.

Sixty-one applications were submitted by villages, cities, counties, tribes and nonprofits, totaling more than $16.5 million in requests, exceeding the $4 million of available funds.

The money will go toward work such as removing hazardous trees, increasing the forest canopy through planting, supporting urban forestry workforce development and using trees to reduce urban heat. Applicants will be notified in July of their funding status. In August, successful applicants will receive a grant agreement, and in September, the grant awards will go into effect.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong response from communities and nonprofits,” said Jay Dampier, DNR grants coordinator. “The high response underscores Wisconsin communities' and nonprofits' commitment to building and maintaining the urban forest in some of the most disadvantaged communities¹.”

Although only some project proposals will be funded, the DNR is committed to supporting urban forestry efforts throughout the state and has other funding opportunities. The next round of grant applications for the regular grants program will be accepted from July 1 through Oct. 1, 2024. Communities and nonprofits are encouraged to learn about the next round of grants and to apply.

For more information, visit the DNR’s Inflation Reduction Act Grant program webpage.

¹This release refers to disadvantaged communities because this is the terminology used by the federal government. However, it could be considered deficit-based language, when many of these areas are some of our most culturally diverse, vibrant communities in Wisconsin. It’s important to recognize the strength, resilience and assets all communities contribute to Wisconsin’s culture, economic systems, landscape and vitality.