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 on-the-ground 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. Education, inventory, and monitoring projects are not considered on-the-ground projects.

MAP will support proposals that fit within the following program areas:

1. Outdoor experiences program area – Grants support results-oriented, on-the-ground 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
• Employing youth and/or veterans crews to implement on-the-ground conservation, stewardship, and/or restoration work

2. Forest health program area – Grants support results-oriented, on-the-ground, citizen-involved projects that maintain and/or restore ecosystem resiliency in National Forests by:

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

3. Integrated projects – The NFF encourages projects that cohesively integrate the 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. Examples of integrated projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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

Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, and Native American tribes. Organizations that do not meet eligibility requirements may utilize a fiscal sponsor.

Amount: The average award is $25,000. MAP funds are federal and disbursed only as a 1:1 match to cash contributions from an eligible non-federal source.

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

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