IX. Conduct and Ethics
A Note on Co-Applying for Grants
Many opportunities exist for employees and partners to work together on grant proposals and applications for land stewardship activities. Co-application for grants requires close work between partners and non-federal organization for programs that will be jointly delivered. It is important to ensure that proposed activities follow agency policy and procedures.
Applying for grants to non-federal entities: Forest Service employees may assist partners in applying for grants to the extent that:
- The grant furthers the mission of the Forest Service
- The Forest Service is authorized to accept the grant funds for the purposes proposed
- Forest Service employees are authorized by the agency to perform those duties
Applying for grants to other federal entities*: Forest Service employees may assist partners in applying for grants to the extent that:
- The Forest Service is allowed by statute to apply for such grant money, and
- The three conditions set forth above for non-federal entities have also been met.
*Note: The Office of General Council, General Law, is currently reviewing issues related to USDA scientists co-applying for federal grants. Those reviews are still being formulated. Additional information will be provided in future editions of the Partnership Guide.
Definitions of Fundraising and Solicitation for Forest Service Employees
FundraisingRaising funds for a nonprofit* organization by: 1) soliciting funds, 2) selling items, or 3) actually and visibly participating in the conduct of an event (beyond mere attendance) where some portion of the cost of attendance may be taken as a charitable tax deduction.
*Note: This is not approval to raise funds on behalf of a for-profit organization; such conduct would be far more restricted.
Solicitation Asking for something of value either as a gift or at a price below its market value. Unless an exception applies, federal employees may not solicit (or accept) gifts for themselves, their relatives, or a charity they recommend by: 1) using their federal position, 2) from subordinates, or 3) from “prohibited sources.” See section below on Acceptance of Gifts for regulations under which THE AGENCY can solicit and accept gifts.