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Commission discusses applying for forestry grant, volunteer match valuation and drafting support
Summary
Members discussed reapplying for a forestry grant (previously $50,000), the application process, allowable matches, and the role commission volunteers and staff can play in preparing an application.
Commissioners discussed a recurring forestry grant program the town used previously to secure approximately $50,000 and explored applying again.
Members stressed that while non‑staff volunteers can help draft narratives and gather documentation, only town staff may complete and submit the online application on the town’s behalf. "He can help draft a proposal. He can provide you with information. Correct. Right," a staff member said when clarifying roles. The commission agreed that volunteers and commissioners could prepare a Word draft and supporting documents for staff to enter into the grant portal.
The meeting included a substantive discussion of what counts as match. Staff pointed out that volunteer time is commonly valued in grant applications and cited a national hourly valuation figure used for volunteer time in the Washington, D.C., metro area (referenced in the meeting as $31.23 per hour). The commission discussed in‑kind match (volunteer hours, donated materials) and cash match options for median planting, tree giveaways, shirts and event support.
Members proposed candidate project ideas for a potential application, including another tree giveaway, median/rights‑of‑way plantings, and coordinated park plantings. A volunteer offered to assemble previous application text and provide a Word version for staff to edit and upload.
Next steps Volunteers will draft proposal text and compile photos and inputs; staff will confirm grant questions, posting dates and the portal submission deadlines and will submit the application if the commission chooses to proceed.
