The purpose of Florida's Urban and Community Forestry- Plantings, Preservation, and Invasives Control (UCF- PPIC) Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to local governments, Native American tribal governments, volunteer groups, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to initiate or enhance local urban and community forestry programs and improve the urban environment within the state of Florida by providing funding for projects aimed at enhancing green infrastructure. The state of Florida anticipates an allocation of $200,000 for fiscal year 2024-25.

The primary purpose of the Urban and Community Forestry- Plantings, Preservation, and Invasives Control (UCF- PPIC) grant program is to promote better urban forest management and to provide resources necessary for the retention and expansion of community tree canopy throughout the State of Florida. Trees are a vital component of urban infrastructure but must be properly managed to maximize the benefits they provide the community. By properly managing their tree infrastructure, communities can increase property values, tourism appeal, and the physical and mental health of residents, while reducing storm water runoff, energy consumption, and air and water pollution. Community forest management also helps to identify public safety hazards to residents and structures and is a useful tool in storm preparation. Local community leaders and the public should learn more about how their urban trees benefit their community, from an economic, social, and environment standpoint. They also should learn about proper species selection, planting, and care for trees to minimize future maintenance problems and how to utilize green infrastructure to reduce storm water runoff.
 

The application submission deadline is 2:00 PM, March 11, 2025. Applicants must upload a complete digital PDF application packet to Urban and Community Forestry PPIC Grant