Texas A&M Forest Service is offering over $1.2 million in grant funding through the Community Forestry Grants program to enhance community forestry initiatives throughout the state.

people standing around a tree being planted
Community members plant trees purchased through Community Forestry Grants funds in a College Station park. (Texas A&M Forest Service)

A Community Forestry Grants webinar will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 12 to discuss the application process, resources and address any questions. Join the webinar via Teams. 

Applications will close at 5 p.m. on March 1 and must be submitted using the application worksheets and submission portal.

Eligible entities must be public or non-profit, including state and local government agencies, public education institutions, non-government organizations or non-profits and public utility districts.

Community, civic and neighborhood groups may apply with an eligible entity as a sponsor. Individuals and federal agencies are not eligible. While private industries are not eligible to apply directly, they can be listed as partners and contracted for their expertise on proposed projects.  

Communities, non-profit organizations and schools interested in applying for any category can review the requirements, submit applications, view previous grant implementation, and find more information on the Community Forestry Grants webpage.

Enhancing community forestry practices

The Community Forestry Grants Program was established in 2022. In 2024 the program awarded $15.4 million to 21 Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and schools and $4 million to 18 recipients in 2025.

These grants help build capacity for community forestry through workforce development, outreach, canopy enhancements and other unique project ideas. The program is designed to foster community forestry principles that promote the establishment, protection and enhancement of community forest ecosystems in Texas.

Beyond the climate and ecosystem sustainability benefits created by the funding, communities will be able to integrate health and wellness initiatives as a result of proper tree planting and management.  

“The grants offered through our program are essential to enhancing community forestry practices that will improve the quality of life for residents now, and for future generations,” said Cateri Dixon, Texas A&M Forest Service program specialist. “This strategic program ensures grants are distributed in a manner that will have a trusted positive community impact.”

To support these goals, grant funding is available through six categories:

  • Community Resiliency.
  • Human Health Improvement and Access.
  • Municipal Forester.
  • Workforce Development.
  • Tree Planting.
  • Watershed Protection Implementation.

The grant program is funded in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. 

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