The NFF is soliciting proposals for its Matching Awards Program (MAP) to provide funds for direct on-the-ground projects benefitting America’s National Forests and Grasslands.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) Matching Awards Program (MAP) provides funding for results-oriented on-the-ground projects that enhance forest health and outdoor experiences on National Forests and Grasslands.

By pairing federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, MAP measurably multiplies the resources available to implement stewardship projects that benefit the National Forest System.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the leading organization working on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to National Forests and Grasslands. Through direct fieldwork, facilitation, grant programs and promotion of responsible recreation, the National Forest Foundation inspires people to get personally involved in caring for the 193 million acres of public lands that make up our National Forest System.

Focus Areas

All projects proposed for MAP funding must align with one or both of the NFF’s two strategic focus areas of Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health. There are no funding targets for each program area; however, applications that cohesively integrate the two program areas receive weighted advantage in the review process.

Outdoor Experiences Program Area

The NFF supports results-oriented, on-the-ground projects that improve the quality, condition, and care of Outdoor Experiences on National Forests. Projects supported under this program generate tangible conservation outcomes including enhancing high quality recreational experiences for the users of the National Forest System. Project examples include:

• Improving or maintaining recreation resource connectivity including, and similar to: trail maintenance, bridge and crossing construction or repair, and installation of trail drainage structures; and/or
• Engaging youth, volunteers, or diverse, underserved or under-engaged populations in hands-on stewardship activities; and/or
• Employing youth and/or veterans crews to implement on-the-ground conservation, stewardship and/or restoration work.

Forest Health Program Area

The NFF supports results-oriented, on-the-ground, citizen-involved projects that maintain and/or restore ecosystem resiliency on National Forests. Projects should be consistent with or supportive of identified largescale conservation initiatives. Project examples include:

• Promoting ecosystem structure, function and diversity; and/or
• Promoting forest health through the removal or control of non-native invasive species, and/or reintroduction of native plants and trees.

Integrated Projects

The NFF encourages projects that cohesively integrate Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health program areas. Ideal projects will have a strong connection to each of the individual program areas, and effectively connect both in a clear, direct manner. Project examples include:

• Engaging community volunteers to complete riparian plantings as part of a watershed-scale restoration project;
• Utilizing youth crews from underserved communities to complete habitat stewardship work and forest stand treatments.

Requirements

The MAP program supports action-oriented projects that enhance outdoor experiences, forest and ecosystem health, and engage local communities in caring for their public lands.

• Geographic Scope: National, must benefit US National Forests and Grasslands(Note: some restrictions apply in areas where the NFF operates other grant programs)
• Funding Source: Federal funds via the US Forest Service
• Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, and federally-recognized Native American tribes
• Match Requirements: 1:1 nonfederal cash match
• Program Areas: All MAP applications must align with one or both of the NFF’s strategic focus areas of Outdoor Experiences a Forest Health. Applications that cohesively integrate the two program areas are encouraged.
• Project Timing: Eligible projects are no more than 12 months in duration, and start roughly two months after the application deadline.
• Letters of Support: All applications must include a letter of support from the Forest Supervisor of each National Forest or Grassland unit included in a proposal.
• Environmental Compliance: All permitting and environmental compliance work (including but not limited to NEPA) must be complete before submitting a MAP application.

For more information, visit National Forest Foundation.