National Forest Foundation: Matching Awards Program

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. MAP supports the implementation of conservation and restoration projects that have an immediate, quantifiable impact on the National Forest System. These projects provide a lasting impact to the lands, waters, and wildlife of the National Forest System through the alteration of the physical environment.

The current NFF strategic plan focuses on the following program areas:

• Outdoor experiences: The NFF supports projects that improve the quality, condition, and care of outdoor experiences on national forests by: improving or maintaining recreation resource connectivity including and similar to: trail maintenance, bridge and crossing construction or repair, and installation of trail drainage structures; engaging youth, volunteers, or diverse, underserved, or under-engaged populations in hands-on stewardship activities; and employing youth and/or veterans crews to implement on-the-ground conservation, stewardship, and restoration work.
• Forest health: The NFF supports citizen-involved projects that maintain or restore ecosystem resiliency on national forests by: promoting ecosystem structure, function, and diversity; and promoting forest health through the removal or control of non-native invasive species or through the reintroduction of native plants and trees.

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 integrate both in a clear, direct manner.

MAP also requires that projects show a strong commitment to civic engagement and community involvement through direct public participation. In order to be eligible for MAP funding, projects must contain significant, legitimate community involvement or civic engagement in the pre-implementation, implementation, or post-implementation phase.

Amount: The average award size is $25,032. MAP requires a 1:1 cash match of secured non-federal funds.

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, and Native American tribes. Fiscal sponsors are permitted.

Link: https://www.nationalforests.org/grant-programs/map

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