Safe Arborist Techniques Fund Grant Program 2026

Overview

The Safe Arborist Techniques Fund (SATF) Grant Program 2026 is jointly established by the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The program aims to support research and development focused on improving techniques, equipment, and safety practices for arborists when climbing, rigging, and working with trees. Successful projects are expected to be completed within two years from the initial fund disbursement.

Benefits

Research funding of up to $15,000 per project.
Support for innovative arboriculture safety research and evidence-based solutions.
Opportunities to share findings through professional journals and TREE Fund research networks.

Eligibility

Applicants must be connected to eligible research institutions or organizations rather than applying as individual grants. Projects must focus on arboriculture safety, such as tree climbing, rigging operations, equipment evaluation, and hazard prevention.

Ineligible Projects:

Individual grants not connected to a research institution.
Municipal tree surveys, inventories, or assessments.
Tree planting programs.
Traditional forestry, timber management, agroforestry, and forest conservation studies.
Product testing conducted primarily for the commercial benefit of the manufacturing company.
Current TREE Fund trustees and their immediate family members.

How to Apply

The application process consists of two primary stages:

Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI): Applicants must first submit an online LOI through the application portal detailing the research concept, principal investigator, and alignment with program priorities.
Submit Full Research Proposal: Applicants whose LOIs are approved will be invited to submit a complete proposal including project descriptions, methodologies, dissemination plans, and detailed budgets.

Interested applicants can submit their Letters of Intent through the official online application portal.

Deadline

The Letter of Intent submission window closes on September 1, 2026. Invited full proposals are due by October 15, 2026.