Grant Programs from the National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation is the only conservation organization solely focused on addressing the challenges that face America’s National Forests. It stands apart from similar organizations through its commitment to facilitating local involvement and encouraging grassroots participation in forest stewardship.

The National Forest Foundation invites you to apply for grants through the following programs. Click on the links below to access complete information, applications, and proposal deadlines.

Matching Awards Program - Nonprofit organizations can apply for matching funding twice a year for hands-on stewardship projects with measurable, on-the-ground benefits to National Forests and Grasslands. Areas of interest include:

Recreation
Wildlife habitat improvement
Community-based forestry
Watershed health and restoration

Previously, funding preference has been given to projects falling within specific geographic regions. Beginning in 2007, the NFF no longer uses these geographic criteria when selecting proposals for funding. Proposals from throughout the United States will be given equal consideration.

Wilderness Stewardship Challenge - In celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Wilderness Act, the Forest Service issued a Wilderness Stewardship Challenge. This challenges calls for all Congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas in the National Forest System to be managed to standard within the next decade. The NFF will increase the resources available to meet this challenge by providing matching grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit partners for ecosystem restoration-related projects that directly benefit Wilderness Areas within the National Forest System.

Community Assistance Program - Newly forming collaborative organizations can apply for start-up grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to meet organizational capacity-building and technical assistance needs over a two-year timeline. Priority will be given to grassroots, community-based collaborative groups that involve a broad and diverse set of interests and participants to build long-term ecological, social and economic sustainability. Established organizations are ineligible to apply. Funds may be used for a variety of needs including:

Basic start-up and operating costs
Materials and equipment
Technical assistance
Training
Community outreach
Obtaining 501(c)(3) status
Program development
Nonprofit management skill-building
Communication