Forestry Programs

Tree Planting at Blanche Pope Elementary

Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program is proud to deliver the Kaulunani Community Grant Program. Kaulunani grants have made nearly every urban area in Hawai‘i greener and more enjoyable through projects that have enabled the planting of, and support for community trees and our ‘āina.

Kaulunani has awarded grants to hundreds of non-profit groups, schools, community organizations, parks, museums and arboretums. As of 2019, over $3.6 million dollars has been awarded to almost 400 projects through these cost-share grants, which have been matched by over $8 million dollars in cash and in-kind contributions. Our grant program funds proposals that support urban and community forestry projects as well as the Arbor Day tree giveaway programs across the State.

Grants are awarded for projects that respond to a need identified in our Forest Action Plan. Most grant awards range between $500-$14,999, pending availability of federal funds granted by the USDA Forest Service. Large scale projects more than $14,999 may be considered with Program Staff consultation and will require a Pre-Proposal (see `ulu level below). All of your urban and community forestry ideas are welcomed!

Now Accepting Applications for 2020!

Kaulunani Recorded Webinar Grant Workshop Downloadable PDF   View the June 28th, 2019, Webinar Recording here (38 min) View/Download slides (PDF)   Miss the workshop and webinar? Contact us with your urban & community forestry project idea and any questions on the grant program!

Check out Kaulunani’s Currently Funded Projects

Learn more about Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program’s Funded Projects

Getting Started on your Grant

Step 1: When to Apply

The Kaulunani Grant Program accepts applications on quarterly basis each year. Please contact staff if your application falls outside of priority deadlines. 

2020 Deadlines are:
February 1, 2020 | (Arbor Day Proposals Only)

May 1, 2020* 

August 1, 2020 

November 1, 2020 

*Applications that are submitted to the May 1st deadline will receive priority for 2020. 

Step 2: Review the Kaulunani Grant Program Guidelines (PDF)

These guidelines include background on the program, eligibility, and what you will need to submit. 

Proposed planting projects are asked to use native species, Polynesian introductions, or non-invasive plants that are screened by the Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment and are predicted to be a low risk of becoming invasive.

Visit Plant Pono Website

 Background:  The federal Executive Orders on invasive species (EO 13112 and reaffirmed by EO 13751) directs executive departments and agencies to take steps to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, and to support efforts to eradicate and control invasive species that are established.  Kaulunani has supported the refinement and expansion of the Weed Risk Assessment system developed in Australia into a system tailored for Hawaiʻi and similar Pacific islands. In subsequent years, Kaulunani funds supported a liaison position to work with nursery and landscape industry and conservation, to bring awareness of the HPWRA, and in 2010, Kaulunani funded a user-friendly website (Plant Pono) where the public can access the HPWRA information and search for appropriate plants.  Use these tools to demonstrate your project promotes the expansion of a healthy, non-invaive urban and community forest.

Step 3: Know Your Application Level:

Download and Fill out the most relevant Applicable Form:

*The Cool Your School grant campaign helps schools cool their campuses through tree plantings. 

Step 4: Download and Fill out the Kaulunani Budget Form (excel .xlsx format)

 This budget form must be included with your application.

NOTE: All Budget forms for tree planting/giveaway projects must include Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) scores. These can be found through the Plant Pono or Hawaii Weed Risk Assessment websites. Plants that have not yet been evaluated can be submitted for evaluation directly through the sites.

Step 5: Get in Touch with Kaulunani Staff

We recommend getting in touch with Kaulunani before the grant deadline. We want to make sure your project receives the greatest opportunity to get funded and we are here to help you deliver the highest quality application. Ask us questions!

Step 6: Submit your Application!

Kaulunani accepts applications electronically via email (attach all necessary documents including application form, budget form, letters of support, etc.) until 11:59PM(HST) on each quarterly deadline. Once you have submitted your application, we will be in touch to confirm that your application was received.

Submitted? Congratulations! The Kaulunani Advisory Council reviews and makes decisions on all applications during the nearest quarterly Council meeting. Check out the Kaulunani Council Page for more information on the council and quarterly meeting dates.

**`ULU Grant Opportunities & Timelines:

The table below lists some of the known opportunities for Urban & Community grant funding for which funding is available. We welcome your proposals to pursue any and all opportunities. Contact us!    

*A preproposal 6/15 followed by a complete proposal 9/15 and then attached to the annual proposal to the USFS by 12/1 would be ideally positioned to be considered in the normal UCF “base” or Level II grant funding to the State. Please call with questions or clarification.

Tips for Success:

• Sample “Māmaki” Application: Tree Giveaway (PDF)
• Sample “ʻIlima” Application: Technical Tools (PDF)
• Kaulunani Grant Application Evaluation Form (PDF)
• ABC’s of Grant Writing
• Characteristics of a Successful Project
• Steps for Successful Tree Planting Projects