The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (Cal Fire) Urban and Community Forestry Program has announced US $117 million will be available for Green Schoolyard grants in 2023.

Parties eligible for the grant include local government or education agencies, special districts (including school and park districts), and non-profit organisations.

Up to $117 million will be available for Green Schoolyards projects including at least $30 million for grants to eligible childcare facilities receiving government funding.

There will be two grant available: Implementation Grants of between $1,000,000 and $30,000,000 per applicant including $2,000,000 max per school campus included in the project; and Planning Grants of between $75,000 and $1,500,000 per application including $100,000 max per school campus included in the project.

The Green Schoolyard grant guidelines are now open for public comment through until 13 January 2023. The public comment period is to solicit feedback and constructive comments that will help the Urban and Community Forestry Program improve its grant making efforts. The preliminary proposal deadline is February 17, 2023 at 3:00 PM PDT.