Hispanic Access is honored to announce the launch of the Nuestros Bosques: Faith-Based and Strategic Local Investments Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at enhancing equitable access to urban tree canopy across the U.S. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the initiative allocates over $10 million in funding, with 80% targeted toward disadvantaged communities. Eligible organizations, including faith-based, community groups, and Indigenous can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million.
As the urbanization of the human population increases, destruction of green spaces in urban areas is increasing at an alarming rate. Urban areas with less tree coverage, are often communities of color and tend to have higher levels of air pollution, which is linked to increased rates respiratory diseases, particularly in children. Latino neighborhoods have up to 21% less tree canopy coverage compared to predominantly White neighborhoods in the same cities. Solutions for nature access in urban areas should be a high priority to hit the nexus of biodiversity, climate gains, and societal benefits.
“The ‘Nuestros Bosques’ initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring equitable access to the benefits of urban tree canopy for communities nationwide,” said Hispanic Access Foundation President and CEO Maite Arce. “By prioritizing disadvantaged areas, we are addressing environmental justice and improving the quality of life for many families. These grants represent a transformative opportunity for organizations to foster healthier, more resilient neighborhoods, and we’re excited to support projects that will leave a lasting positive impact.”
Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (Funding Opportunity #: USDA-FS-2023-UCF-IRA-01) the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USFS) is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. In September of 2023, the USFS announced funding awards of $1.13 billion, including awards for 12 national passthrough organizations, including Hispanic Access Foundation. The organization received a $25 million award from the USFS to become a national pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques IRA Initiative” promoting Justice40, Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan, State Forest Action Plans, congressional, and America the Beautiful priorities.
The application portal opens on October 18th, 2024. To learn more about how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/NBTrees24.
Funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program.
USDA and Hispanic Access Foundation are equal opportunity providers and employers.