Community Assistance Program

Overview

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is designed to promote the creation of locally based organizations or groups seeking to resolve natural resource issues through a collaborative process.

The program provides support in the form of start-up funds for newly forming (or significantly re-organizing) groups or nonprofit organizations that intend to proactively and inclusively engage local stakeholders in the community in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands.

CAP awards provide collaborative groups with start-up grants of $5,000 to $15,000, as well as basic tools and guidance, to enable them to resolve differences and play a more active role in the sustainable management of nearby National Forests, Grasslands and surrounding communities.

Organizations applying for funding through CAP will be considered based on need, and will not be required to match the NFF funds. CAP funds can be used for a wide range of tools, including: technical assistance, training, consultants, community outreach, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, group facilitation, basic start-up and operating costs, materials and equipment, program development, nonprofit management skill-building, and communications.

Interested in learning more about the Community Assistance Program? Read the entire Community Assistance Program RFP.

You may also be interested in our Collaboration Support Program or Mid-Capacity Assistance Program.

Find more resources on collaboration, community-based stewardship and organizational development.

Col·lab·o·ra·tion: A voluntary process through which a broad array of interests--some of which may be in conflict--enter into civil dialogue to collectively consider possibilities for improving the management of natural resources for the benefit of both the environment and the surrounding communities. Collaboration is different from a partnership, in that collaboration involves a diverse and comprehensive array of stakeholders; a partnership is likely to engage a few parties that are interested in working together on a specific project (adapted from David D. Chrislip, 2002).