welcome to
Fina’maolek
Fina’maolek is an Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grant program designed to encourage communities to get involved in creating and sustaining urban and community forests throughout the island of Guam. This program offers funding for projects in four different categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.
The application deadline is July 15, 2024. Download the application worksheet for guidance. Additional resources can be found at the bottom of this page.
Curious about past Fina’maolek projects?
Click here to learn how four Fina’maolek recipients are making a difference in their communities through projects that support Guam’s urban forests.
Guam’s tropical urban trees are a dynamic resource and play a critical role in our island community. Issues of concern include the importance of mapping the tree canopy and using and maintaining a tree inventory; the need for advancing knowledge of tropical urban forestry, management plans, and best management practices; training for industry professionals; creating public awareness of the value and benefits of trees; and demonstrating the importance of trees through tree planting projects.
Join us as we lead the charge in Guam’s urban forest recovery. By participating in the Fina’maolek Subgrant Program, you’ll not only create a lasting impact on your surroundings but also become part of a network of like-minded individuals striving for a greener and more sustainable future.
Fina’maolek and Recovery from Mawar
Following the devastating effects of Typhoon Mawar, much of Guam’s urban and community forests were destroyed, leaving behind a barren and disheartening landscape. However, with the Fina’maolek Grant Program, you can be at the forefront of restoring these vital community spaces.
Awardees of this grant program will have the opportunity to fund recovery projects that aim to restore urban forests, reinvigorate existing spaces, and even create new green areas for communities to enjoy. The simple act of planting trees and green spaces not only lends itself to the beautification of these spaces, but it also contributes to a cleaner, safer environment and enhances the overall quality of life for all who live in the area.
It is important to note that many of the trees that were destroyed during Typhoon Mawar were doing their job by absorbing some of the strong winds and, as a result, protecting nearby structures. The recovery efforts of this grant program are of utmost importance in order to mitigate the potential for further destruction during future natural disasters.
Who can apply
Non-profit organizations
Volunteer and community groups
Local businesses
Government entities
Places of worship
Project Categories
Demonstration Tree Planting Projects
Urban & Community Forestry Technology Tools
Tropical Urban Forestry and Professional Training
Education & Public Outreach
Funding Levels
GUASÅLI ˖ GAOSÅLI
$500 – $2,499
IFIT ˖ IFIL
$2,500 – $10,000
Project Categories
We believe that everyone should have a chance to make a difference, which is why we offer funding for projects in four diverse categories. Whether you’re a passionate environmentalist, a dedicated community leader, or simply someone who wants to contribute positively to your neighborhood, there’s a project that suits your interests and talents.
- Category I - Demonstration Tree Planting Projects
- Category II - Tropical Urban Forestry Professional Training
- Category III- Urban and Community Forestry Technology Tools
- Category IV - Education and Public Outreach Projects
Trees have many benefits, and a clearly defined “demonstration” project will focus on one or more of those benefits to the community.
Examples of Category I projects include, but are not limited to:
- How trees reduce energy use
- How trees are green infrastructure
- How trees demonstrate cultural benefits
- How trees can improve the water quality by planting along urban streams.
- How trees can be used to mitigate the effects of storm water runoff, heat islands, sea level rise, climate change, and can protect coastal areas from storms.
Please verify that the trees and plants proposed for the project are not invasive.
These projects may require state permits; check with local or state officials before submitting your proposal.
Download the Landowner Permission Form in the next section below if needed.
All Tree Planting Demonstration Projects must:
- – Include a site map
- – Include a maintenance plan
- – Include an irrigation plan (if needed)
- – Meet the plant budget requirement: At least 70% of the plant budget must be medium-large trees, no more than 20% shrubs, and no more than 10% ground cover
- – Permission of the landowner and permits (if required)
- – Ensure trees and plants are not invasive
- – Provide documented quotes from proper vendors for planting materials
Educational opportunities for the urban forestry tree care industry including county, private or state entities, and nonprofits, and those retained through written agreement to advise and/or assist in the development or management of their urban or community forestry program.
Examples of Category II projects include, but are not limited to:
- Training for industry professionals to:
- Increase knowledge and expertise of the tree care industry with workshops and seminars.
- Improve coordination of partnerships to support the inclusion of trees in green infrastructure.
- Develop standards to increase and enforce urban forestry best management practices.
- Develop a tropical urban forestry management plan. Identify plans, policies, ordinances, rules and laws impacting Guam’s urban forest.
Produced detailed documents or sets of tools to improve the management of Guam’s urban and community trees and forests.
Examples of Category I projects include, but are not limited to:
- Tree inventory*
- Mapping of urban & community forests
- Tropical Urban Forestry BMPs
- Tools for legislative processes
- Invasive species management tools
- Emergency management planning
- Urban tree canopy assessments
- Green infrastructure planning
- Climate change analyses
- Water quality analyses
- GIS projects
*Tree inventory software developed by the USDA Forest Service is available free of charge at
Develop projects that:
- Create public awareness of the value and benefits of trees
- Mitigate the impacts of invasive species from the urban forest on native ecosystems
- Illustrate proper tree care
- Promote Arbor Day.
Examples of Category III projects include, but are not limited to:
- Workshops, conferences, seminars
- Educational festivals/events
- Volunteer or in-house training
- Urban forestry youth programs
- Student Programs (K-12 to college level programs)
- Neighborhood Outreach
Funding
- Fina’maolek projects will be funded on a monthly reimbursement basis. Invoices must be submitted for reimbursement. Reimbursements will take approximately 3-4 weeks and only checks will be distributed via mail to the address provided in your application. Please take this into consideration when listing your milestones for your project.
Match Requirement
-
- Fina’maolek Grant Program funds must be matched equally (dollar for dollar) with non-federal funds. These non-federal funds cannot be used as a match for any other Federal cost-share project. The match may include in-kind contributions, volunteer assistance, and private and public (non-Federal) monetary contributions. All matching funds must be specifically related to the proposed project. The source of the cash and in-kind match must be identified and quantified in the application by enclosing letters of intended support.
- Matching funds expended or received prior to the date of the grant agreement cannot be used as a match.
- Please note: the first year of maintenance can be utilized as a match.
Resources
Guam Forest Action Plan 2020 – 2030 Your proposed project must meet a demonstrated Guam urban forestry need as identified in the Urban Section of the Guam Forest Action Plan
Fina’maolek Application Worksheet_06142024
- This worksheet can be used to prepare all required information for the online application.
FSRD Finamaolek_Land Owner Permission Form_v2
- For tree planting projects only
Fina’maolek Sub-grant_Budget-Sheet_2024
- This will be required upon application submission
FSRD_Finamaolek Liability Waiver_05312024.pdf
- If you are unable to sign the liability waiver portion in the application, please download this form, sign and email to finamaolek@smarttreespacific.org
Complying with Civil Rights Requirements
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Guam Foretsry and Soil Resources Division is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Contact your Forestry and Soil Resources Division
for more information.
Let’s grow a greener Guam together!
Send us an email: finamaolek@smarttreespacific.org
Call Department of Agriculture – Forestry and Soil Resources Division
at (671) 300-7977