How to bid on 2026 Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Non-Matching Grants from VA Dept of Forestry

What the Department of Forestry is buying

The Virginia Department of Forestry is offering grants for urban and community forestry projects. These grants are designed to support activities like tree planting, tree care, and educational programs related to trees in cities and towns across Virginia.

This program aims to encourage local involvement in creating and sustaining long-term urban and community forestry initiatives. It is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on June 29, 2026. All applications must be submitted by August 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline, and applications received after this time will not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This grant opportunity is suitable for units of local governments (city, town, county), non-profit organizations, tribal entities, and educational institutions. Other groups like volunteer organizations or neighborhood associations are eligible if they partner with a non-profit or their local government.

The grants are for environmental projects focused on urban and community forestry, including tree planting, maintenance, and public education.

How to respond

To access the full details of this solicitation, you need to view it on eVA, Virginia's eProcurement portal. The solicitation number is 123332. You can view the posting publicly without an account.

Applications cannot be submitted through eVA. Instead, applications must be submitted through the SAP system at the URL provided in the full solicitation documents. To respond, you will need to sign in with a free eVA vendor account before the deadline to access all necessary information.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the Request for Application (RFA) for all specific requirements and guidelines. Ensure your project aligns directly with the program's goals of promoting urban and community forest ecosystems, tree planting, care, and education.

Clearly define your project's scope, objectives, and expected outcomes. Provide a detailed plan for how you will achieve these goals, including a realistic timeline and budget. Highlight how your project will foster long-term community involvement and sustained impact.

If you are a volunteer group or neighborhood association, ensure you have a confirmed partnership with an eligible non-profit organization or local government. Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all partners in your application.