Through the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund, local governments, nonprofits, schools, community associations, businesses, and other organizations may apply to fund projects on eligible public or private property in Maryland. Pictured above, students at Snow Hill Elementary School stand with a freshly planted tree. Photo courtesy of Mary Chamberlain, Worcester County Board of Education
Maryland communities seeking support to care for their trees and forests can now use a single application to access several funding sources through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Community Forestry Catalyst Fund (CF2).
The Maryland Forest Service is transitioning the program from large grants supported by the federal Inflation Reduction Act to a more flexible micro-grant framework. The revised approach responds to continued demand for community forestry assistance by supporting smaller projects, including the ongoing care and management of existing trees and forests.
“Communities often know what work needs to be done but don’t know where to find the funding to do it,” said J.T. Bowers, deputy director of the Maryland Forest Service. “By bringing several funding sources together under one application, we can make it easier for local organizations to get projects off the ground.”
Applicants describe their project through a common application, and Forest Service staff determine which available funding source best fits the proposed work. When a project qualifies for more than one compatible source, funding may be combined into a single award.
Potential funding sources include the U.S. Forest Service urban and community forestry funds, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Urban Tree Program, and Tree-Mendous Maryland, depending on availability in each review cycle.
CF2 launched in 2024 with support from the USDA Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act. The initial grant round drew requests for more than five times the available funding, demonstrating strong demand for local forestry assistance. Awards helped communities manage existing forests, train workers, and build local programs for tree care and stewardship. The new framework builds on that experience by making smaller awards available on a continuing basis rather than relying on occasional large funding rounds.
The revised program complements the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Urban Trees Program by providing assistance for smaller projects and ongoing stewardship. Communities can seek support for work that improves existing trees and forests, develops local skills, or prepares sites for future planting and restoration.
Eligible work can include forest assessments and management planning, invasive species control, tree establishment and care, and education or volunteer training.
Standard funding requests may be made for up to $10,000. Projects require a cash or in-kind contribution from the applicant or its partners, such as volunteer time, donated materials, or professional services, but there is no minimum contribution amount or percentage.
Local governments, nonprofits, schools, community associations, businesses, and other organizations may apply for projects on eligible public or private property in Maryland. Individual residents are not eligible for direct awards. Additional eligibility requirements are outlined in the program’s Request for Proposals.
Applications are accepted year-round with reviews Jan. 15 and July 15. The next review deadline is Jan. 15, 2027. Organizations that receive an award may apply again in a later review cycle.
Applications are available on DNR’s Community Forestry Catalyst Fund webpage; potential applicants should review information on the Request for Proposals page. Questions about eligibility or the application process may be directed to [email protected].
