Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program offers grants to tribes, local governments, and nonprofits to buy private forest land for public access, recreation, and conservation benefits.
Funder: Forest Service
Due Dates: October 13, 2026 (Full application deadline) | October 27, 2026 (State/Tribal forwarding deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $600,000 per award; estimated total program funding $4,950,000; typical award period is 2 years.
Summary: Supports acquisition and establishment of community forests to provide public access, recreation, and conservation benefits through financial assistance to Tribes, local governments, and qualified nonprofits.
Key Information: Applications are not submitted via Grants.gov; must be sent to State Forester/Tribal official and confirmed by email.
Description
This program provides competitive grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations for the acquisition of private forest land to establish community forests. The goal is to protect forests from conversion to non-forest uses and ensure they deliver public recreation, environmental, economic, and educational benefits. Public access is a requirement for all projects, and lands must be acquired in full fee title (not conservation easements). The program is designed to foster community engagement, sustainable forest management, and local stewardship.
