Matching Awards Program

Connecting People to Forests

Photo by Forest Stewards Guild

Grant Programs & Resources

Connecting People to Forests

In 2023, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) announced changes to its flagship competitive grant program, the Matching Awards Program (MAP). The adjustments were a result of over two years of work to collect feedback to align the program with current National Forest System needs, and the NFF strategic plan.

The resulting program, MAP: Connecting People to Forests, focuses primarily on in-person community engagement and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. Program goals are to create lasting change that will allow all communities, especially underserved communities, opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest System lands or adjacent public lands.

Refer to the summary and the Request for Proposals (RFP) linked below for full information.

Key Dates

Nov. 26, 2024: Application period opens for Round 1 2025 projects
Dec. 19, 2024: Informational Webinar on MAP
Feb. 7, 2025: Deadline for Round 1 MAP Applications
April 2025: Application period opens for Round 2 2025 projects (specific date TBD)
July 2025: Deadline for Round 2 MAP Applications (specific date TBD)

Summary of MAP Program Requirements

Geographic Scope: National, must take place on US National Forests and Grasslands or adjacent public lands, and demonstrate benefit to National Forest System lands
Funding Source: Federal funds via the US Forest Service
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments and organizations, and universities. Organizations that do not meet these eligibility types may be able to apply using a fiscal sponsor.
Match Requirements: 1:1 nonfederal cash match
Program Areas: All MAP applications must focus on in-person community engagement, and have a stewardship component
Project Timing: Eligible projects are no more than 18 months in duration, and start three months after the application deadline
Letters of Support: All applications must include a letter of support or letter of coordination from the District Ranger of each National Forest or Grassland unit included in a proposal
Environmental Compliance: All applicable permitting and environmental compliance work (including but not limited to NEPA) must be complete before submitting a MAP application
Administrative: Applicant must have or be able to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) if selected for funding

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Request for Proposals - Full Program Details

Download and refer to the MAP Round 1 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) below, for full program requirements and instructions for how to apply.

View RFP

Informational Webinar

The NFF will hold an informational webinar about the Matching Awards Program on Thursday, December 19, from 12:00 - 1:30 pm MST. Register below to receive the webinar invitation.

Registration

Applicant Resources

If you have reviewed the RFP and still have questions about program eligibility, feel free to contact the NFF. Requesting feedback from NFF staff about eligibility is encouraged to ensure you are submitting a proposal that will not be disqualified. Be sure to reach out well in advance of the deadline to ensure there is time to answer your questions. Contact information is provided below.

Additional resources include:

List of Past MAP Awards
Guidance on NFF Budget Forms (Appendix to the RFP)
MAP Application Tips
MAP Informational Webinar (see above)
MAP Frequently Asked Questions
Tips on Obtaining a Forest Service Letter of Support

Photo by Alex Kim

Contact

If you have questions about the NFF's Matching Awards Program that are not answered on this webpage or in the MAP Request for Proposals, please contact:

Renán Zambrano, Conservation Awards Coordinator, at 210.917.4719 or [email protected]