Maryland Launches Community Forestry Catalyst Fund: One Application for Multiple Grants, Open Year-Round, Next Review Jan. 15, 2027
MARYLAND — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced on Oct. 28 the launch of the Community Forestry Catalyst Fund, under which communities across the state can now file a single common application to be matched with multiple forestry funding sources for the care of local trees and forests.
Under the new mechanism, local governments, nonprofits, schools, community associations, businesses and other organizations may apply for projects on eligible public or private land anywhere in the state, with a standard per-application cap of $10,000. Forest Service staff will determine which funding source best fits each project, and projects eligible under several sources can be combined into a single award. The Maryland Forest Service said the fund shifts from the large grants supported by the federal Inflation Reduction Act toward a more flexible small-grant framework, responding to communities' ongoing need for forestry assistance and supporting small projects including routine care and management of existing trees and forests.
Deputy Director J.T. Bowles of the Forest Service said communities often know what work needs to be done but not where to find the money, and that bringing multiple funding sources under one application will make it easier for local organizations to get projects started. The fund accepts applications year-round, and the next review deadline is Jan. 15, 2027.
Source: GSM News
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：马里兰州议会大厦，位于安纳波利斯（Carol M. Highsmith 摄，公共领域，Wikimedia Commons）。Maryland State House in Annapolis (by Carol M. Highsmith, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons).
