Community Forest Grant Program
Funds acquisition of private forest land to establish community forests that provide public access, environmental protection, and community benefits through science-based management.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (full application deadline to State Forester or Tribal official) | February 2027 (State/Tribal forwarding deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $600,000 per project; 2-year initial grant period; 50% non-federal cost share required.
Summary: Supports acquisition of private forest land by local governments, nonprofits, and tribes to establish community forests with public access and community benefits.
Key Information: This is a forecasted grant; all dates are projected and subject to annual cycles.
Description
This program provides competitive grants to help local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Indian tribes acquire private forest land and establish community forests. The goal is to protect forests threatened by conversion to non-forest use and to deliver economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits to communities, including public access. The program is administered in partnership with the US Forest Service and requires a strong focus on community engagement, benefits to disadvantaged communities, and alignment with broader landscape conservation initiatives.
