The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program provides financial help to Indian Tribes, local governments, and certain nonprofits to buy private forest land and turn it into community forests. The goal is to protect these lands from being used for non-forest purposes and to offer benefits like public recreation, education, and environmental improvements. Public access to these lands is a must.
Who it's for: This grant is for Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. These groups should be interested in acquiring private forest land to create community forests.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov
- Applications not received by the State Forester or Tribal government by the deadline
- Projects that do not allow public access
- Entities not classified as Indian Tribes, local governments, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits
- Projects that do not comply with Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
What You May Need
- Completed application form
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., 501(c)(3) status for nonprofits)
- Project proposal detailing public access and community benefits
- Confirmation email to SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov
- Cost-sharing or matching funds documentation
- Submission to State Forester or Tribal government
- Compliance with Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
Cautions
- Applications are not submitted via Grants.gov
- Strict deadlines for submission to State Foresters or Tribal governments
- Public access is a mandatory requirement
- Cost-sharing or matching funds are required
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include city or township governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and federally recognized Indian Tribal governments. These entities must be interested in acquiring private forest land to establish community forests that provide public access and community benefits.
Overview
This grant is for Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. These groups should be interested in acquiring private forest land to create community forests.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov
- Applications not received by the State Forester or Tribal government by the deadline
- Projects that do not allow public access
- Entities not classified as Indian Tribes, local governments, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits
- Projects that do not comply with Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to purchase private forest land to establish community forests. The land must be used for public recreation, education, and other community benefits while preventing its conversion to non-forest uses.
Total Program Funding
$4,950,000
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Aug 12, 2026
- Deadline
- Oct 13, 2026(31 days)
- Archive Date
- Nov 12, 2026
- Last Updated
- Aug 12, 2026
Application Checklist
- Download and review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Gather proof of eligibility
- Plan for cost-sharing or matching funds
- Submit application to State Forester or Tribal government by October 13, 2026
- Send confirmation email to SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov
- Ensure compliance with Section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act