2026 Community Challenge Grant

The 2026 Community Challenge Grant is a reimbursable funding program administered by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. The program focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources, specifically promoting tree planting, care, and the enhancement of community forest ecosystems. For the 2026 cycle, the grant theme emphasizes the use of native trees on K-12 school, healthcare, and faith-based institution campuses. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, and public educational institutions, while for-profit companies and individuals are ineligible. Funding requests must fall between 15,000 and 40,000 dollars, with a project duration of 1 to 1.5 years and a final completion deadline of December 31, 2027. The grant operates on a 100 percent reimbursement basis, meaning funds are distributed only after expenditures are accrued and documented with detailed reports, payroll records, and timesheets. Awardees must comply with 2 CFR 200 and USDA 2 CFR part 400, and are required to register with both SAM.gov and the Arizona Department of Administration Vendor Portal. Key project requirements include the use of a Certified Arborist or Certified Landscape Professional for planting projects, adherence to International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards, and the provision of a separately funded five-year maintenance plan for any new tree installations. Evaluation is based on a scoring system covering theme alignment, scope of work, outcomes, sustainability, and budget reasonableness, with final funding decisions made by the State Forester.