TREE Fund has awarded more than $6.0 million in grants and scholarships since 2002 to empower tree care professionals, their customers, and the communities in which they live and work. All 2026 active research grant programs are listed below. Before applying for any research grant, carefully read the guidelines provided in the “Read More” links below. Contact TREE Fund directly should you have questions or require additional information about these grant programs. An instructional video on our Grants is available on our YouTube Page.
To apply for a Research Grant, visit our Grant and Scholarship Application Portal
SPRING CYCLE 2026 RESEARCH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Barborinas Family Fund Grant Program
Supports work with study of the processes of the nursery industry with the focus on root system and above ground structures.
Award amount: up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000)
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted January 15 to March 1, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted January 15 to March 15, 2026
Read more
Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program
Supports work with real importance and benefit to utility tree care professionals.
Award amount: up to $50,000 (minimum $10,000)
100-Word Letters of Inten (LOIs) accepted January 15 to March 1, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted January 15 to March 15, 2026
Read more
TREE Fund does not allow the same proposal to be submitted simultaneously to multiple grant programs. This policy ensures efficient use of reviewer time and resources, as each proposal can only receive one award regardless of how many panels review it. Additionally, this practice prevents potential double funding for the same work and aligns with standard academic grant administration practices.
FALL CYCLE 2026 RESEARCH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
John Z. Duling Grant Program
Provides start up or seed funding to support innovative research and technology transfer projects.
Award amount: up to $15,000
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted August 1 to September 15, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted August 1 to October 1, 2026
Read more
Jack Kimmel International Grant Program
Provides funding for arboriculture research by applicants working primarily outside of the United States.
Award amount: up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000)
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted August 1 to September 15, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted August 1 to October 1, 2026
Read more
Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative and John P. White Grant Program
Supports projects which will help arborists and urban foresters communicate the value of trees and urban forests on a global basis through technology transfer and engagement with developers, builders, civil engineers, city planners, elected officials and other policymakers.
Award amount: up to $30,000 (minimum $10,000)
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted August 1 to September 15, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted August 1 to October 1, 2026
Read more
Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program
Supports original research that creates a safer work environment for people working in the tree care industry and the general public they serve.
Award amount: up to $15,000 (minimum $5,000)
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted August 1 to September 15, 2026
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted August 1 to October 1, 2026
Read more
TREE Fund does not allow the same proposal to be submitted simultaneously to multiple grant programs. This policy ensures efficient use of reviewer time and resources, as each proposal can only receive one award regardless of how many panels review it. Additionally, this practice prevents potential double funding for the same work and aligns with standard academic grant administration practices
FALL CYCLE 2027 RESEARCH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Tree and Soil Research Fund Grant Program
Supports projects with research of interest to the landscape architecture community with special focus in the area of trees and soils that support them.
Award amount: up to $10,000 (minimum $5,000)
100-Word Letters of Intent (LOIs) accepted August 1 to September 15, 2027
For approved LOIs only, applications accepted August 1 to October 1, 2027
Read more
TREE Fund does not allow the same proposal to be submitted simultaneously to multiple grant programs. This policy ensures efficient use of reviewer time and resources, as each proposal can only receive one award regardless of how many panels review it. Additionally, this practice prevents potential double funding for the same work and aligns with standard academic grant administration practices
Grants Currently On Hold
Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program
Supports research that directly affects the work of industry professionals.
Award amount: up to $25,000 (minimum $10,000)
Read more
Directed Grant Programs (Applications Not Accepted)
TREE Fund’s Board of Trustees may occasionally select a topic of interest and solicit proposals from specific researchers. The general terms and conditions of the Sponsored Grant Programs will be applied to any Directed Grant Programs as well.