WASHINGTON, DC—The Urban and Community Forestry Program needs your help. We are looking for grant reviewers for the Inflation Reduction Act grant applications. This national effort is providing grants to organizations expanding access to trees and green spaces and their benefits.

On April 12, USDA announced a historic $1 billion to increase urban tree cover, boost equitable access to nature and tackle the climate crisis. The grant application period will close in June, and we anticipate receiving many applications that will improve the quality of life for Americans living in underserved urban communities.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a grant application reviewer for the Urban and Community Forest IRA grants, please fill out an interest form by close of business May 19. If you have any problems accessing the form, please reach out to SM.FS.UCF_IRA@usda.gov.

Before submitting the form, please discuss this opportunity with your supervisor and secure approval. A Conflict of Interest form will also need to be completed if you are selected to participate. Reviewer and Team Lead training will take place the week of May 29. Once we begin, you must also be ready to commit 30-40 hours over three weeks.

Serving as a grant application reviewer is an excellent opportunity to boost your resume through experience with the grant review process. You will also learn more about UCF and meet other federal colleagues. Please note that this opportunity is for USDA employees only.

UCF is a covered program under the agency’s Justice40 Initiative established through Executive Order 13985. To advance the mission of Justice40, UCF delivers 40% of the program’s investments through established and new partnerships working to support disadvantaged communities experiencing low tree canopy and environmental justice issues.