February 2, 2015

Hello << Test First Name >>,

Here’s what’s happening in urban and community forestry:

• California Arbor Week Poster Contest
• Social Innovation Fund
• NRCS Seeks Applications for Conservation Innovation Grants

Thanks for all you do for urban forestry!

Nancy Hughes, Executive Director
California Urban Forests Council

California Arbor Week Poster Contest

California ReLeaf is holding a California Arbor Week Poster Contest for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade students! The theme is “We Need Trees & Trees Need Us” this is to encourage students to think about the relationship between humans and trees. For more information including contest rules and prizes click here!

Social Innovation Fund

The Corporation for National & Community Service has just opened for applications their Social Innovation Fund! In the fiscal year of 2015 they plan on investing $51 million in experienced grant-making organizations that are well-positioned within communities to identify the most promising programs and guide them towards greater impact and stronger evidence of success. These grants will range from $1 – $10 million annually for five years. The Notice of Intent deadline is Feb. 20, 2015. The application deadline is March 17, 2015 at 2pm. For more information and for the application please click here.

NRCS Seeks Applications for Conservation Innovation Grants

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that applications are being accepted for up to $20 million in grants to facilitate the creation of new, innovative markets for carbon credits, providing additional revenue sources for producers and address natural resource conservation challenges. These grants are part of the Conservation Innovation Grant program. NRCS will accept pre-proposals for initial review before inviting entities to submit full proposals. Pre-proposals are due Tuesday, February 24, 2015. For more information please click here.