Urban and Community Forestry Grants- Aliso Canyon Green Schoolyard

Funder: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

The Urban and Community Forestry Grants by CAL FIRE aim to create green schoolyards in California to enhance children's health and education while addressing climate change. Funding of $13.5 million will support TK-12 schools in specific neighborhoods, focusing on nature-based solutions to alleviate heat and improve urban environments. Projects must benefit disadvantaged communities and require local educational agency support. This initiative underscores the importance of urban forestry in fostering resilient and sustainable communities.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California.
CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Grants - Aliso Canyon Green Schoolyard
The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program strives to increase the long-term benefits trees provide, improve the public’s understanding and appreciation of urban trees, and advance urban forest management and tree care. Special consideration is given to projects serving disadvantaged and/or low-income communities.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant type is to create green schoolyards to protect the health, well-being, and educational opportunity of children most vulnerable to increasing temperatures and extreme heat across California. Projects shall be centered around improving the environmental conditions and experiences for school children with the highest levels of co-benefits. Projects will invest in nature- based climate solutions that deliver multiple benefits such as helping to alleviate extreme heat, improving the immediate environment for students as well as supporting outdoor learning and environmental literacy, while also reducing GHG emissions, improving functionality of urban forests, arresting the decline of urban forest resources, increasing climate change resilience, improving the quality of the environment in urban areas, and optimizing co-benefits to school children and surrounding urban residents.
A total of $13.5 million is available to support public TK-12 school campuses in the neighborhoods of Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, North Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Winnetka, West Hills, Van Nuys, and Lake Balboa. Only schools in these neighborhoods are eligible for funding.
Important Note: Applicants shall obtain a memorandum of understanding (MOU), resolution, or certified letter from the respective local educational or child services agency supporting the project before being awarded a grant.