IRA Urban Forestry Sub-Grant for Disadvantaged Communities
Eligibility
Delaware schools, nonprofits, and community organizations serving disadvantaged communities. IRA funds prioritize communities with environmental justice concerns, low tree canopy cover, or concentrated heat islands. Delaware communities with lower-income populations are well positioned.
Program Goals
IRA Urban Forestry Sub-Grants fund tree planting, canopy expansion, and forestry education programs in underserved communities. Schools in disadvantaged communities that can combine tree planting with environmental education and STEM learning are a strong fit.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Sub-grant applications through the Delaware Forest Service. Contact DNREC Division of Forestry for current application materials. November 30, 2026 deadline.
Cycle Notes
November 30, 2026 deadline. IRA funds have a multi-year availability window — additional cycles may follow.
Grant Award Amount
Up to $50,000 per sub-grant. Significantly larger than the standard Urban Forestry grant — can fund a full school environmental education program alongside tree planting.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a disadvantaged community?
Communities with environmental justice concerns, low tree canopy, concentrated heat, or socioeconomic disadvantage. Check the DE Forest Service guidance for specific criteria.
Can schools serving disadvantaged communities apply?
Yes — schools in qualifying communities are eligible. Urban schools in Wilmington and other lower-income DE communities are strong candidates.
What is the award limit?
Up to $50,000 — much larger than the standard Urban Forestry grant.
When is the deadline?
November 30, 2026.
How can Forward Education help?
Our Climate Action Kit ties environmental data collection to the tree canopy and urban heat island learning outcomes IRA urban forestry programs prioritize.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Delaware standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
