WASHINGTON, D.C. – American Forests, the oldest national conservation organization in the U.S., today announced more than $12 million in funding is available through its Tree Equity Catalyst Fund for faith-based and frontline environmental justice organizations to advance equitable urban and community forestry projects. The funding is part of $50 million received from the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) – the largest-ever federal investment in Tree Equity.
Through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process, American Forests will support faith-based and frontline environmental justice organizations to take local action on Tree Equity through projects in equitable urban forestry planning, planting and care, coalition building, workforce development, tree nursery development and more. Over $12 million in reimbursement-based grants ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million is available, with $8 million allocated to faith-based organizations, and $4.8 million allocated to frontline environmental justice organizations. Once awarded, Catalyst Fund grantees will be supported through tailored technical assistance and coaching from American Forests’ team of experts with access to tools, resources and networks to further expand impact in Tree Equity.
“Faith-based and frontline environmental justice organizations are at the forefront of climate justice as trusted voices and advocates in their communities,” said Lida Aljabar, Senior Director of the Catalyst Initiative and Fund at American Forests. “They bring vital on-the-ground knowledge, grassroots connections and a strong commitment to equitable solutions, making them key partners to advance Tree Equity. We are excited to launch this funding opportunity and support these organizations in bringing critical tree infrastructure to historically disadvantaged communities across the country.”
Tree Equity is a solution for a growing gap in tree cover that exists in predominately low-income areas and communities of color. It is a climate justice issue, rooted in a legacy of injustice and disinvestment across American cities. With heat-related deaths on track to increase from 12,000 to 100,000 annually in the next decade — affecting mainly lower income communities, communities of color and homes with inadequate cooling — the tree gap has life-or-death consequences.
Over the past five years, American Forests has led and mobilized a nationwide Tree Equity movement. After helping unlock the IRA’s $1.5 billion financing for urban forestry, American Forests launched the Tree Equity Catalyst Initiative— a key part of American Forests’ goal to help at least 100 cities make meaningful progress on Tree Equity by 2030 through best-in-class tools, resources and equitable grantmaking.
The Catalyst Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) is available now and the application portal opens for submissions on September 30, 2024. The RFP and more details on eligibility, requirements, instructions and resources can be found here.
Key Dates:
- September 30: Application period opens
- October 1: RFP information session, register here
- October 25: Application period closes
- By December 31: Applicants notified of award status
USDA and American Forests are equal opportunity providers and employers.
ABOUT AMERICAN FORESTS: American Forests is the first national nonprofit conservation organization created in the U.S. Since its founding in 1875, the organization has been the pathfinders for the forest conservation movement. Its mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. The organization advances its mission through forestry, innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. For more information visit: www.americanforests.org.
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