Nonprofit organizations, private organizations, schools, churches, community groups and state agencies on all islands are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that celebrate and raise awareness of community forests and engage communities.

What You Need To Know

  • Activities eligible for the grant include tree education and outreach events, tree care workshops, and cultural and artistic expression related to trees

  • Kaulunani encourages applicants to imagine how a project could engage the community, enhance community forestry practices, and promote the environmental, cultural and social benefits of trees in urban and communal spaces

  • The deadline to apply online is 11:59 p.m. HST Jan. 24

The 2025 Urban and Community Forestry Grant is part of the 2025 “Year of Our Community Forests” campaign coordinated by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and its Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program.

“The grants will support projects that celebrate trees in the wao kanaka — where we live, learn and play. Our community forests give us gathering places, shade to cool down, air to breathe, food to eat, wood for carving, leaves for weaving, and flowers for lei,” said Kaulunani Program Administrator Heather McMillen in a release.

“They help grow our communities and we can help grow our community forests by caring for our trees, planting new trees and learning from trees. This grant opportunity invites proposals that focus on community forest education, outreach and awareness,” McMillen said.

Activities eligible for the grant include tree education and outreach events, tree care workshops and cultural and artistic expression related to trees. Kaulunani encourages applicants to imagine how a project could engage the community, enhance community forestry practices, and promote the environmental, cultural and social benefits of trees in urban and communal spaces.

All grantees must comply with state government requirements and provide Hawaii Compliance Express certification. Read the Kaulunani Grant Program Application Guidelines.

The deadline to apply online is 11:59 p.m. HST Jan. 24. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $20,000. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by Feb. 10.

Those interested can register to attend an informational webinar from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 18.

Kaulunani encourages partnerships and creativity. If you have any questions or would to discuss your idea, email info@kaulunani.org.

Over $4.6 million has been awarded to over 450 projects as of 2023.