To ensure Rooting Resilience applicants have equal access to all information, we will continue to add responses to common questions we receive via email here. Last updated on September 11, 2024.

• What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?
• What is the role of River Network (RN) with IRA funding?
• Do I need to provide match or cost-share for this grant opportunity?
• Will funds be advanced for grants or will grantees be reimbursed as they spend?
• Can I submit more than one application?
• Are organizations that already received IRA funding eligible to apply for the Rooting Resilience Program?
• Is there the possibility of extensions to grants if we encounter challenges to our original project timeline?
• How do I estimate costs in the budget with rising prices?
• What does capacity building mean and what are eligible uses of funding toward capacity building?
• Can my grant request include indirect costs?
• What if my organization doesn’t have a UEI (Unique Entity ID) Number?

What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is federal funding that includes a broad range of national investments, including $1.5 billion dedicated to trees in cities and towns. The IRA was signed into law in August of 2022. You can read more about urban forestry funding in the IRA here.

What is the role of River Network (RN) with IRA funding?

River Network is a national pass-through partner of the USDA Forest Service, with the goal of distributing Inflation Reduction Act funds through the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to communities using trees to promote equity, enhance urban resilience, and create more livable conditions for all. To expedite the funding process, a mix of national pass-through partners— including state forestry agencies and nonprofits with granting experience (like RN) — are helping distribute IRA dollars. You’ll see this referred to as “pass-through funding.” RN and our outreach and engagement partners provide subawardees with guidance, tools, and a network of peers.

Do I need to provide match or cost-share for this grant opportunity

No, match funding is not required, nor does it increase your chances of a successful award.

Will funds be advanced for grants or will grantees be reimbursed as they spend?

This funding will be primarily on a reimbursement basis. We may be able to honor advance requests for imminent need as allowable under Federal guidance.

Can I submit more than one application?

Yes, you may submit more than one application. However, since the review process will consider the full range of applications submitted to ensure that funds are awarded fairly across geographically and by project type, it might be most advantageous to submit your most aligned and competitive project for funding to avoid competing against yourself.

Are organizations that already received IRA funding eligible to apply for the Rooting Resilience Program?

Priority will be given to organizations that have not already received some amount of Inflation Reduction Act funding for urban forestry.

Is there the possibility of extensions to grants if we encounter challenges to our original project timeline?

Yes, no-cost extensions (extensions of the project end date without additional funding) may be available with prior approval if projects encounter unanticipated delays.

How do I estimate costs in the budget with rising prices?

Given the current financial situation, we are encouraging grantees to budget for any additional costs that may accrue as a result of market forces, including inflation, increasing fuel costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. This should not be a separate ‘contingency’ line item but built into individual line items, for example a Tree Planting contractor.

What does capacity building mean and what are eligible uses of funding toward capacity building?

In the context of urban and community forestry projects, capacity building refers to activities that enhance the ability of organizations, communities, and individuals to effectively manage and maintain trees and green spaces. Capacity building dollars can encompass your organization’s community engagement needs to build a more equitable urban forest including, but not limited to staffing, resource development, and material creation. Any hiring needs must be directly related to grant deliverables and with the goal that newly created positions be permanent, not just temporary and for the grant period.

Can my grant request include indirect costs?

Indirect costs represent the expenses of doing work that are not readily identified with a particular grant, contract, project function or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the activities it performs. You are permitted to use either the de minimis rate or your Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) rate.

What if my organization doesn’t have a UEI (Unique Entity ID) Number?

A UEI Number will be required if your organization is selected for award so we suggest obtaining a UEI at the application stage if you do not have one already. If you do not have a SAM.gov UEI Number, here is a short GSA video outlining the steps to create one.