IV. Field Guide to Nonprofit Organizations
National Forest Foundation Grant Programs
By offering matching grants to community-based groups that engage citizens, the NFF can leverage investments by a factor of four times and also leverage experience. Many partner projects combine field work with youth stewardship opportunities, engaging kids who don't otherwise have the chance to experience the great outdoors. These programs help to build a future of knowledgeable, skilled, and committed conservation leaders.
The Forest Service is crucial to the NFF's conservation award programs. Every project obtains the support of the Forest Service before the NFF approves it. Representatives from the Forest Service participate in the review of all grant proposals. The common goal of all NFF grant programs is to benefit the National Forest System and to contribute to the mission of the Forest Service:
• Matching Awards Program (MAP) – Nonprofits dedicated to addressing
the issues directly affecting natural resources on and around National Forests and Grasslands can apply for MAP awards.
Matching funds assist these groups with specific on-the-ground conservation projects that address community-based
forestry, watershed health, wildlife habitat, or recreational issues. The NFF MAP currently has a strong presence in
five geographic areas (the Selway-Bitterroot of Montana and Idaho , the Southern Appalachians , the Sierra in
California , the Oregon Coast and Cascade ranges, and the central Colorado Rockies) but supports community-based
conservation groups working to support the National Forest System across the entire country. Visit the MAP website for
more information.
( http://www.natlforests.org/consp_04_map.html )
• Community Assistance Program (CAP) – Newly forming organizations
can apply for grants to be used for a variety of basic start-up and operating costs. These costs include materials and
equipment, technical assistance, training, community outreach, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, program development,
nonprofit management skill-building, and communications. Organizations must be collaborative in nature and engage a
diverse group of participants. The NFF also provides technical assistance to help these groups build credibility within
their communities and develop the capacity to work with the Forest Service. Visit the CAP website for more information.
( http://www.natlforests.org/consp_05_cap.html )
• Wilderness Stewardship Challenge (WSC) – To celebrate the 40th
anniversary of The Wilderness Act, the Forest Service Chief issued a Wilderness Stewardship Challenge in 2004.
It calls for all Wilderness Areas in the National Forest System to be managed to standard within the next decade.
In support of this effort, the NFF will provide matching grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit partners to implement
projects that directly benefit Wilderness Areas within our National Forests System. Visit the WSC website for more information.
(http://www.natlforests.org/wilderness_stewardship_info.html )