On-the-Ground Programs: Meeting Direct Conservation Needs

There are a multitude of threats facing America's National Forests and Grasslands today. Unmanaged recreation, invasive species and climate change are just a few of the major issues that have the potential to negatively impact the health of our treasured public lands.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) provides grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of projects that directly benefit National Forest System lands. By focusing on action-oriented, on-the-ground and citizen-based monitoring projects, the NFF ensures that critical conservation and restoration needs are met.

The NFF funds important stewardship work through three distinct award programs:

• Matching Awards Program
• Wilderness Stewardship Challenge
• Ski Conservation Fund

The Matching Awards Program provides challenge grants for organizations to implement a broad range of action-oriented, on-the-ground conservation, restoration and citizen-based monitoring projects that benefit National Forests and Grasslands. Current priorities center around recreation, wildlife habitat enhancement, watershed health and community forestry. A 1:1 cash match is required.

The Wilderness Stewardship Challenge provides challenge grants for organizations to implement projects that directly support specific Wilderness stewardship goals, helping to advance the Forest Service 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge. Matching requirements vary by U.S. Forest Service region, with a 1:1 cash match required in the western United States and reduced requirements in the eastern United States.

The Ski Conservation Fund is a unique program that pairs contributions from guests at ski areas and lodges nationwide with NFF award funds to support National Forest stewardship. The program provides challenge grants to nonprofit organizations for the implementation of action-oriented, on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects that benefit the same National Forest from which they originate. Current priorities center around recreation, wildlife habitat enhancement, watershed health and community forestry. A 50% cash or in-kind match is required.