Call for

Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program

Organisation Name:

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

Application Deadline:

15 September 2025

About Organisation

The Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in arboriculture and urban forestry. Formed in 2002 through the merger of the International Society of Arboriculture Research Trust and the National Arborist Foundation, TREE Fund has been instrumental in shaping the future of tree care, safety, and environmental sustainability. With a mission to identify and fund impactful research and education programs, TREE Fund has awarded over $5.4 million in grants to support innovative studies that enhance tree health, promote safety in arboriculture practices, and improve urban forest management. The organization bridges science and practice, encouraging the development of research-based techniques and tools to support arborists and environmental professionals in real-world scenarios. Through its collaborations and funding initiatives, TREE Fund contributes significantly to protecting tree ecosystems and public safety. Their commitment spans educational outreach, support for scientific inquiry, and partnerships with industry professionals to ensure tree-related knowledge remains current and practical. TREE Fund continues to be a vital force in fostering safe arboricultural practices and expanding the scientific foundation needed for sustainable urban green infrastructure.

About the Grant

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) is a collaborative grant initiative created by the TREE Fund and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) in 2015. Designed to enhance safety in the arboriculture profession, this grant program supports research projects that explore new techniques, equipment, and best practices in climbing, rigging, and tree work. The overarching goal is to promote a safer working environment for arborists and reduce risks associated with tree maintenance and failure. Grant-funded projects must be completed within two years and may receive funding of up to $15,000.

The 2024 SATF grant invites proposals focusing on worker safety and biomechanics, specifically investigating tree failure mechanisms and strategies to mitigate hazards. Potential research topics include decay spread and assessment, mechanical pruning, root decay inoculation, machine-assisted climbing, response growth, lightning protection, cabling systems, and other safety-related practices. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are welcome, and the program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in arboriculture safety. However, the fund does not support individual grants, tree planting programs, municipal surveys, product testing for company benefit, or studies focused solely on traditional forestry or natural ecosystem conservation. This initiative aims to generate practical solutions that benefit tree workers, residents, and property.

Who can Apply?

TREE Fund welcomes proposals from a broad spectrum of applicants, encouraging both academic and technical disciplines to apply for the SATF grant. Eligible applicants include researchers, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other relevant entities working in fields related to arboriculture, urban forestry, biomechanics, and occupational safety. The grant seeks applicants who can design practical and scientifically sound research projects that lead to meaningful outcomes in arborist safety and tree care.

Applicants must clearly identify a Principal Investigator (PI) and the affiliated institution or organization that will be responsible for executing the project. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged, especially those combining expertise in fields like engineering, plant sciences, biomechanics, and environmental science. All projects must be research-focused and deliver measurable findings relevant to safety practices in arboriculture within a two-year time frame.

Ineligible applicants and projects include individuals applying without institutional backing, tree planting programs, municipal tree surveys or inventories, studies related primarily to traditional forestry or ecological conservation, and product testing aimed at benefiting a specific company. Proposals should avoid commercial bias and instead focus on creating public knowledge and enhancing industry standards. Projects that do not meet these core eligibility criteria will not be considered for funding.

How to Apply?

To apply, submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by email between August 1 and September 15, 2025. The LOI should be no more than 100 words and must include your project title, a brief concept description, and identify the Principal Investigator and the contracting institution. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Ensure your LOI adheres strictly to the requirements to be eligible for further consideration.

Application Deadline

Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) must be submitted via email between August 1 and September 15, 2025. Late submissions or those not following the specified format will not be considered.

Last Date To Apply
The final date to submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for the 2024 SATF grant is September 15, 2025. Applications will not be accepted beyond this deadline under any circumstances.

Grant Amount
The maximum funding available through the Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) grant is $15,000 per project. All projects must be completed within two years of receiving the initial grant disbursement.