In partnership with Vail Resorts Management Company, Copper Mountain Resort, and Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area, the NFF is currently soliciting proposals for its Ski Conservation Fund™ (SCF) grant program on the White River National Forest.

SCF combines federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with individual donations voluntarily made by guests of partner resorts. This leveraged funding measurably multiplies the resources available for nonprofit partners to implement projects that directly benefit the White River National Forest.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the leading organization working on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our 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 their National Forest System.

Focus Areas

All projects proposed for SCF funding must align with one or both of the NFF’s two strategic focus areas of Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health.

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 large-scale 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.

Eligibility Criteria

501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, nonfederal government entities, and federally-recognized Native American tribes are eligible to receive SCF grants. If an organization does not meet this eligibility requirement, it must utilize an eligible fiscal sponsor consistent with the NFF Policy on Fiscal Sponsorship. The NFF does not consider SCF applications from federal agencies, individuals, or for-profit organizations.

For more information, visit National Forest Foundation.