Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Financial Assistance Program 2002 Application Package In Cooperation with USDA Forest Service Georgia Urban Forest Council 2002 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY (U&CF) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission INTRODUCTION The Georgia Forestry Commission in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the Georgia Urban Forest Council is pleased to offer the Urban & Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program for the 12th consecutive year. Please read the following Program Overview very carefully and contact us at 404-298-3935 if you have any questions. Grant applications are due May 17, 2002. GOAL This program is designed to encourage citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustained urban and community forestry programs throughout Georgia. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Urban & Community Forestry Grant Assistance Program are to: Accomplish activities as described in the Five-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban and Community Forest 2000 - 2004, Improve the understanding of the benefits of tree cover in communities, Promote volunteerism, multi-cultural awareness, and involvement of nonprofit organizations, agencies, and the private sector in implementing urban and community forestry programs, Provide educational programs and technical assistance to communities and state and local organizations, Improve strategic community forestry planning efforts of city administrators, municipal tree departments and tree boards. Protect and manage forest resources, resolve conflict between encroaching development and forest resources, and provide education concerning urban/rural interface issues, Enhance the technical skills of individuals involved in the planning, development and maintenance of urban and community forests, Promote trees as part of the community infrastructure, Implement urban tree management programs, Establish demonstration projects to illustrate the benefits of forest cover and trees within an urban setting and solve a specifically described problem, Encourage individuals to maintain and expand forest cover, and Expand opportunities for urban forestry research. ELIGIBLE GRANTEES Grants may be awarded to communities, local governments (counties, municipalities, cities, towns and townships), nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, civic groups, educational institutions, community tree volunteer groups or local units of government. All cities, counties, and communities that apply must be in compliance with Georgia's Service Delivery Strategy Act. This act applies to cities, counties, and communities only. For more information visit the Department of Community Affairs Web site at www.dca.servicedelivery.org. AVAILABLE FUNDS The Federal matching funds directed to Georgia will be awarded on a competitive basis. The recommended funding range for proposals is $2,000 to $20,000. Funding is for programs, projects, or activities not currently being funded, and cannot be used to substitute for existing funds. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENTS Since U&CF Financial Assistance Program grants are cost-share grants, the total cost of the project must be shared by the Federal government and the grantee. Funds are awarded on a matching basis. Federal funds awarded must be at least 100 percent matched by the grantee. The grantee share of the match may be in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions. The grantee share must not come from a Federal source and must not be used as a match for any other Federal cost-share project. In addition, Federal dollars cannot be used to pay for meals or refreshments. Cash purchases are direct, out-of-pocket expenditures for eligible project activities that are supported by paid invoices, cancelled checks, signed receipts, or official payroll records. In-kind contributions include on-hand supplies, third party donations of supplies or equipment, the value of time (including fringe benefits), professional services at the professional rate, prison labor, or time spent by employees or volunteers on eligible project activities. Volunteer hours may be applied to the project at rates appropriate to the skill level of the volunteer and/or the nature of the work being performed. Assistance provided by Federal employees may not be claimed as part of the match. REVIEW PROCESS Applications will be reviewed by the Georgia Urban Forest Council's Grants Committee. Recommendations for grant awards will be made to the State Forester for final approval. APPLICATION SUBMITTAL AND ASSISTANCE The original 2002 U&CF Financial Assistance Program application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 PM on May 17, 2002 at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC)'s Macon office: U&CF Financial Assistance Program Georgia Forestry Commission 5645 Riggins Mill Road Dry Branch, GA 31020 - 9699 Faxed and E-mailed copies will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please call Susan Reisch, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator at 404-298-3935. INTERIM AND FINAL REPORTS Periodic progress reports are required of the grantee. The schedule and content of these reports will be set in advance of initiating the project. Upon completion of the project, a final report will document accomplishments, total expenditures and other information tailored to the needs of specific projects. PAYMENT PROCESS Payments will be made upon project completion and review, or according to a payment schedule agreed to in advance. The Georgia Forestry Commission reserves the right to make partial payments subject to completion of scheduled milestones. The Urban and Community Forestry (U&CF) Financial Assistance Program administrator will evaluate the progress of the project to determine eligibility for full payment. RECOGNIZING FUNDING SOURCES All printed material, signs, and other products resulting from this grant will recognize the source of funding as follows: Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through the Georgia Forestry Commission. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-A, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. TIMETABLE 2002 February-March U&CF Financial Assistance Program announced. February-March May 17, 2002 U&CF Financial Assistance Program applications become available. Application deadline. The original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. at the GFC's Dry Branch (Macon) office. Faxed and E-mailed applications will not be accepted. Mid-late July Notification of project and funding approval to grantees is complete. July 31, 2002 Federal forms required of grantees (Federal Assurances) must be received at the GFC's Dry Branch (Macon) office. August 31, 2002 Grant contracts must be completed and signed. September-December Interim Reports due on date specified in contract. 2003 January August Interim Reports due on date specified in contract. August 31, 2003 2002 U&CF Financial Assistance Program projects are complete. Final Reports due. FUNDABLE PROJECTS In addition to projects that accomplish the goals of theFive-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban & Community Forest 2000-2004, some examples of fundable projects are: Information and Education Arbor Day programs Workshops/conferences/seminars Volunteer or in-house training Web Sites, exhibits, brochures, videos, PowerPoint presentations Youth programs Community Natural Resource Management Staff urban forester or consulting urban forester services Open space/greenspace evaluation Ordinance development or revision Community forest management or master plans Student internships Tree inventories Strategic planning workshops Smart growth, sprawl, and urban/rural interface initiatives, urban watersheds, forest fragmentation, and green infrastructure Storm damage mitigation Organizational Development (Tree Boards, nonprofits) Operational development and strategic planning Volunteer training Public education and materials Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Staffing* Student internships Revenue strategy (funding) development Public relations Leadership training Demonstration Projects A demonstration project must clearly demonstrate one of the benefits of urban and community forestry. Planting site analysis Utility line tree management Energy conservation Shade in parking lots, and around buildings Greenbelt development Tree protection Proper tree planting techniques *Organizations seeking funding for the first time for professional staff positions will be eligible for a grant up to $20,000. Organizations seeking funding for a second time for professional staff positions will be considered. Second-year funds will generally be limited to awards of $10,000, based on funding availability. All funding for staff positions is expected to be used as seed monies to help establish or build local program capacity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and secure other future sources of funding to maintain staff positions! CRITERIA USED IN EVALUATING AND SELECTING PROJECTS In addition to accomplishing an activity or goal as specified in the Five-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban & Community Forest, projects that meet the following Minimum Requirements, Financial Commitment, and Public Relations and Project Management Criteria will be given higher priority. Minimum Requirements Demonstrated need is required to ensure the project is a relevant use of funds for urban forestry. Project must be goal oriented and meet the U&CF Program Objectives (page 1). Project must help strengthen and develop local urban & community forestry capacity. Time frame for completion of the project must not exceed one year. Financial Commitment A 100 percent match of the Federal dollars awarded is required. Federal dollars can be matched with cash or in-kind services. Local budget commitment to provide the match is essential. Program assistance is not intended to substitute for existing funding. This financial assistance is targeted for projects that are over and above projects already budgeted. Projects with continued support beyond the implementation phase and which are part of an urban forestry program show continuing program effect. Cost effectiveness is necessary to ensure that the money is spent wisely, the long term benefit is worth the investment, and the intent of the U&CF Grant Assistance Program is satisfied. Greater program effect can be realized through greater leverage of private sector dollars with federal dollars. Public Relations Efforts and Project Management Criteria Public relations efforts are important in gaining support for urban forestry programs. Public relations components to consider include the following: High visibility projects are a public education tool. Urban and community forestry education is important to improve public awareness and understanding of the benefits and needs of trees in urban areas. Demonstration and the effective inclusion of volunteerism, partnerships, and multi-cultural awareness are important. Innovative projects generate media and public attention, thereby educating the public about urban trees. Community image is enhanced when the private and public sector and volunteers unite for a project. This cooperative spirit should be reflected. A project supported by local plans demonstrates the project is needed and is a tangible step toward a community goal. Commitment to urban forestry by the community will improve the long-term effect and success of the project. The enhancement of social, cultural, historical, psychological and economical values to be gained by the community should be defined. GUIDELINES FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ONLY If you are applying for a demonstration project that involves tree planting, the proposal must include a site plan and the following items: Project Objectives(s) must be to solve a specifically described problem (i.e., cooling an urban heat island, protection from winter winds, developing neighborhood pride, etc.) Any planting project should include a minimum three-year maintenance plan that specifies the entity responsible for maintenance. Please note: only the first year of maintenance may be utilized as a match. The enhancement of environmental values such as air quality, erosion control, noise reduction, visual buffering, energy conservation, wildlife habitat, pollution control and water-quality improvement should be included. Planting the right tree in the right place is critical in assuring that plantings will develop as planned and provide the intended benefits. Tree planting standards are available upon request to the GFC's Dry Branch (Macon) office. A maximum of 20% of the Federal funds awarded (U&CF grant dollars) is allowable for plant material and tree planting. A resolution of endorsement from the local government if planting is on city or county property. A signed liability waiver by applicant releasing the Georgia Forestry Commission from any liability associated with contractors, volunteers or local government employees working on the project. A letter certifying compliance with Department of Transportation regulations if planting is done on state right-of-ways. Plant materials used in tree planting must, at a minimum, meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock. (State standards may be substituted upon concurrence by the USDA Forest Service). Projects involving tree protection and maintenance must meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. (State standards may be substituted upon concurrence by the USDA Forest Service). URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY (U&CF) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2002 APPLICATION APPLICANT INFORMATION Grant #______________ GFC District #_________ Date Received ________ (For office use only) Organization Name ___________________________________________501(c)3 status ____Yes____No Federal Employer Identification (FEI) Number_____________________Tree City USA____Yes____No PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON (ALL CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE MAILED TO THIS ADDRESS) First Name _______________________________ Last Name ____________________________________ Title___________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________________ County_________________State_____Zip Code______________ Daytime Phone Number (_____)_________________ Fax Number (_____)___________________ E-mail _______________________________ SECONDARY CONTACT PERSON First Name _______________________________ Last Name ____________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________________ City_________________________ County_______________ State_____Zip Code______________ Daytime Phone Number (_____)______________ Fax Number (_____)______ E-Mail_______________ How did you learn about this program?_____________________________________________________ Organization Web Site (If available)?____________________________________________________ PROJECT INFORMATION Project Title____________________________________________________________________________ Brief Project Description_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Financial Information Total Amount of Project $ U&CF Funds Requested $ Cash Match $ In-kind Match $ U&CF Funds Requested + Cash Match + In-kind Match = Total Amount of Project SIGNATURE OF AGREEMENT By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand all sections of this application. I am an authorized representative of the applying organization. If awarded a grant under the U&CF Grant Assistance Program of the Georgia Forestry Commission, said organization agrees to comply with all Federal and State guidelines for completion of the grant. Signature of Authorized Representative Date Name and Title of Authorized Representative (Please print or type) Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 1 LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION Please list the Georgia State Senators, Representatives, and US Congressmen and their corresponding District numbers within all Districts affected by your grant. Senators Name __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ District Number ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Representatives Name __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ District Number ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ US Congressmen Name __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ District Number ____________ ____________ Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 2 PROPOSAL NARRATIVE Proposal Narratives should be concise and meet U&CF Program Objectives. Proposal Narratives must be attached to the 2002 Application. Please include the Project Title at the top of each page. PROJECT TITLE__________________________________________________________________ A. PURPOSE The Purpose of the project should be explained in one or two sentences. B. OBJECTIVES Objectives can be multiple. Refer to U&CF Program Objectives and Minimum Requirements. C. BENEFITS Include public relations and educational benefits, and benefits to local, state, regional, and or national urban and community forestry programs. Include potential for continuation of the project. Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 3 PROJECT TITLE___________________________________________________________________ D. PROJECT DETAIL Provide a detailed description of how the project will be accomplished. Include these components: Activities Participants (project personnel, number of volunteers and organizations, partners, corporate sponsors, citizen involvement) End product/result - Please list all specific deliverables to be accomplished with funds (i.e. brochures, packets, videos, publications, web sites, proposed newsletter articles, street tree inventory, management plans, etc.) Timeline Please include a Project Start Date, a Project End Date, and timeline of proposed completion dates by project milestone E. BONUS SECTION This section is optional. It is worth BONUS POINTS that will be added to your overall score. CREATE A SIMPLE MARKETING PLAN THAT WILL HELP YOU INFORM YOUR COMMUNITY ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE URBAN FOREST!! You do not need to have any experience with marketing to complete this section. However, if your project is selected for funding, you will be requested to attend one of the Georgia Forestry Commission's workshops, Practical Marketing Solutions: Reaching Your Community to Value Trees and Greenspace, if you have not already attended. The workshop is intended to give you basic marketing information and help you write a simple marketing plan for your community and your project. Please see www.gfc.state.ga.us for more information. A cash award will be given in November 2002 in the amount of $1,000 to one U&CF grant recipient that completes a successful component of their marketing plan. Projects will be evaluated by answers to the following questions and through telephone interviews Please answer the following questions about how you will publicize the benefits of your project to the community. The following questions are not required for submittal of your grant. You will receive BONUS POINTS for every question answered. 1. Which Issue of the Five-Year Plan for Georgia's Urban & Community Forest does your project support? 2. List your three most important marketing objectives. (What behavior or problem are you trying to impact?) 3. List the 2 most important audiences you want to communicate with and why. 4. Describe the tools and strategies you plan to use to publicize your project including media, Internet, video, or other strategies. 5. How will you measure or evaluate the impacts of your marketing efforts? Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 4 PROJECT TITLE__________________________________________________________________ E. PROJECT BUDGET Please use the following format to detail project budget. Indicate Total Amount of Project, U&CF Funds Requested, Cash Matches (if any), and In-kind Matches (if any). Please round to the nearest whole dollar. Total Amount of Project List all expenses related to the project, such as equipment purchase or rental, consultant fees, materials and supplies, labor, overhead/administration, etc. Use a separate sheet if necessary. ITEM COST $ Total Amount of Project $ U&CF Funds Requested List expenses (from list above) you want the U&CF Grant dollars to go toward. (U&CF funds cannot be used for food.) ITEM COST $ U&CF Funds Requested $ Cash and In-Kind Match List sources and amounts of cash and in-kind contributions: Cash SOURCE AMOUNT In-Kind SOURCE Cash Match $ AMOUNT In-kind Match $ Total Match $ U&CF FUNDS REQUESTED + CASH MATCH + IN-KIND MATCH = Total Amount of Project $ Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 5 FINANCIAL DETAIL APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE U&CF SUB-GRANT FUNDS FROM THE GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION USE THE FORMULA AT THE BOTTOM OF PROJECT BUDGET (PAGE 5) TO HELP YOU COMPLETE THIS FORM $_____________________U&CF FUNDS REQUESTED + $_____________________CASH MATCH + $_____________________IN-KIND MATCH = $_____________________Total Amount of Project OVERHEAD/ADMINISTRATION (12% OF TOTAL AMOUNT OF PROJECT) PERSONNEL/LABOR FRINGE BENEFITS T RAVEL T RAINING SUPPLIES CONTRACTUAL SERVICES EQUIPMENT USAGE/RENTAL OTHER T OTALS U&CF GRANT FUNDS REQUESTED PROGRAM EXPENSES VALUE OF CASH & IN-KIND MATCH T OTAL Total Amount of Project = $ All sub-grantees are required to maintain written records that fully document the required match. Original application plus five copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 17, 2002 at the Dry Branch (Macon) office of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Faxed applications will not be accepted. 6 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS CAN APPLICATIONS BE OVERNIGHT MAILED? WILL APPLICATIONS BE ACCEPTED PAST THE DEADLINE? Faxed and E-Mailed applications will not be accepted. You can overnight mail or hand deliver your grant application to the Dry Branch office of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), located just south of Macon. Take Exit 6 off of Interstate 16. Follow the signs to Georgia Forestry Center. Your application must be delivered to Myrt Phillips in the Forest Information and Urban & Community Forestry Department by 4:30 PM. 60 points will be deducted from late applications. Mailing Address Georgia Forestry Commission P.O. Box 819 Macon, GA 31202-0819 Attn: U&CF Department 800-GA-TREES Physical Address Georgia Forestry Commission 5645 Riggins Mill Rd. Dry Branch, GA 31020-9699 Attn: U&CF Department 478-751-3500 HOW DOES THE SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY ACT AFFECT MY U&CF GRANT APPLICATION? This act pertains only to cities, counties, and communities that are applying for funds. Nonprofit organizations and others are not affected by this act. Your local government or authority must be eligible to apply for a U&CF grant. Check the Department of Community Affairs Web site at www.dca.servicedelivery.org for more information. DO I NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM MY BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR CONTRIBUTORS THAT ARE PROVIDING A CASH AND/OR IN-KIND MATCH WITH MY APPLICATION? Letters of intent and signatures from each volunteer that will be providing a cash or in-kind match are not required. However, letters of support from sponsors and partnering organizations, local legislators and officials will add to your overall score when your grant is evaluated. CAN I INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS TO MY APPLICATION? HOW LENGTHY CAN THEY BE? Attachments can be included with your grant application, however you must include five additional copies for each reviewer or the attachments will not be read. Please list your organization name on all attachments. Attachments more than two pages in length will not be considered. DOES THE APPLICATION HAVE TO BE TYPED? CAN APPLICATION BE COMPUTER GENERATED? Handwritten and typed applications will be accepted. You can download the application off of the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site at www.gfc.state.ga.us. To receive a copy of the application in Excel, please send a request to sreisch@gfc.state.ga.us. Please do not change the format of the application, or your application will not be accepted. IS 501(C)3 STATUS REQUIRED? DO WE NEED TO SEND 501(C)3 LETTERS FOR OUR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION? You do not need to have 501(c)3 status to apply for a U&CF Grant Assistance Program grant. Organizations with nonprofit status do not need to send an official letter/statement verifying your 501(c)3 status. Please simply indicate your status on the 2002 Application Form for our records. WHAT IS OVERHEAD/ADMINISTRATION AS INDICATED ON THE FINANCIAL DETAIL FORM? Overhead costs can be estimated at no more than 12% of the Total Amount of Project. In-kind services should be used to pay for overhead costs to administer the grant versus cash matches, which should be used to implement the project. CAN I GET FUNDING FOR A PROJECT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN FUNDED OR STARTED? CAN MONEY SPENT ON ANOTHER PREVIOUS COMPONENT BE USED AS A MATCH? Previously funded projects and projects that have already begun are not eligible. If you have a second phase or component to add to a previously funded project, you may apply for U&CF funds. In addition, matching funds for another grant project cannot be used. IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE PARTIAL FUNDING? Grant applications that rank the highest will receive at least partial funding for projects until all of the funding has been allocated. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEER LABOR? To determine the value of adult volunteer labor, refer to the average figure for the previous year calculated by the Independent Sector at http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/volunteer_time.pdf. For children, use minimum wage as a standard. WILL A TREE PLANTING PROJECT QUALIFY? CAN I BUY TREES WITH MY GRANT? U&CF Financial Assistance Program funds may not be used solely for tree planting projects. However, 20% of the Federal share of your grant can be used to purchase trees only if tree planting is a clearly stated objective of your project. Two-gallon containerized trees of various species can be obtained by contacting Carol Quay, Executive Director, Keep Sumter Beautiful at ksb@americus.net or 912-928-2862. Keep Sumter Beautiful maintains an Environmental Learning Center and National Tree Trust Regional Grow-Out Station (RGOS) in Americus, Georgia. Trees are for public land plantings by volunteers only. CAN YOU SEND ME INFORMATION ON TREE ORDINANCES? A Tree Ordinance Development Guidebook is available on the GFC Web site at www.gfc.state.ga.us or by contacting: Susan Reisch Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator Georgia Forestry Commission 6835 James B. Rivers/Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-298-3935 Please allow two weeks for delivery. WILL GREENWAYS BE FUNDED? U&CF Financial Assistance Program funds cannot be used to purchase land. However, U&CF funds can be used for evaluations, inventories, and educational efforts about greenspace. WILL TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT BE FUNDED? The U&CF Financial Assistance program will not fund maintenance or removal of trees. CAN I PURCHASE EQUIPMENT WITH THE GRANT FUNDS? C AN I PURCHASE REFRESHMENTS FOR WORKSHOPS WITH GRANT FUNDS? Computers, construction and landscape equipment of any kind cannot be purchased with U&CF funds. U&CF funds can be used to rent equipment. Refreshments of any kind cannot be purchased with U&CF funds. WHO ARE CONSULTANTS, URBAN FORESTRY PROFESSIONALS, OR CERTIFIED ARBORISTS I CAN CALL FOR ASSISTANCE WITH MY PROJECT? For a list of urban forestry professionals and consultants in Georgia and service provided, visit the GFC Web page at www.gfc.state.ga.us. WHEN WILL I KNOW IF MY GRANT WAS ACCEPTED? WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? You will be notified by mail if your grant has been funded in mid-late July. You will be mailed Federal Assurances with your notification letter. Federal Assurances must be signed and returned to the GFC by July 31, 2002. We will then arrange a time for you to meet at one of our contract signing locations (Stone Mountain, Athens, Macon, and Pooler) to discuss your grant and sign a contract of agreement. WHERE CAN I GET HELP WITH MY APPLICATION? The Georgia Forestry Commission will host 2-hour long Financial Assistance Program Workshops in February April at locations throughout the state. Look for flyers on the GFC Web Site at www.gfc.state.ga.us for more information. We hope to see you there! GOOD LUCK! 2002 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY (U&CF) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SIX STEPS FOR APPLYING 1. Review the 2002 Application Package. 2. If possible, come to a U&CF Financial Assistance Program Workshop. 3. Collaborate with partners and plan a great urban forestry project. 4. Complete the 2002 Application and Financial Detail Form. For Demonstration Projects ONLY that include tree planting, include the Liability Waiver. 5. Sign and date your application. Complete applications must include: 2002 Application Proposal Narrative Project Detail Project Budget Financial Detail Form Bonus Section Marketing Plan Liability Waiver (For Demonstration Projects ONLY that include tree planting) 6. Submit your original application plus 5 copies to: U&CF Financial Assistance program Georgia Forestry Commission 5645 Riggins Mill Road Dry Branch, GA 31202-9699 478-751-3500 Deadline for application receipt is 4:30 PM on May 17, 2002. Faxed and E-mailed applications will not be accepted. LIABILITY WAIVER The ___________________________________________________________ hereby releases the Georgia Forestry Commission from any liability associated with contractors, volunteers, local government employees or other persons working on the Urban and Community Forestry Program. Date_______________________________ By ________________________________ Name _____________________________ Title_______________________________ Witness and Seal _________________________ Notary Public