Matching Awards Program

Matching Awards Program Current Focus

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) Matching Awards Program (MAP) provides funding for results-oriented on-the-ground projects that enhance forest health and outdoor experiences on National Forests and Grasslands.

Notice of Upcoming Program Changes

The NFF is revising Matching Awards Program criteria after MAP Round 1, 2023. This document provides a brief preview of the revised program’s focus areas, eligibility criteria, and evaluation criteria categories. Full program details will be available in March 2023 when the MAP Round 2 RFP is released.

Key Dates

• December 8, 2022: Informational Webinar on MAP
• January 23, 2023: Deadline for Round 1 MAP Applications
• May 18, 2023: Deadline for Round 2 MAP Applications

Summary of MAP Round 1 2023 Program Requirements

MAP Round 1 2023 grants will support action-oriented projects that enhance outdoor experiences, forest and ecosystem health, and engage local communities in caring for their public lands.

• Geographic Scope: National, must benefit US National Forests and Grasslands
  
• Funding Source: Federal funds via the US Forest Service
• Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, universities, and federally-recognized Native American tribes
• Match Requirements: 1:1 nonfederal cash match
• Program Areas: All MAP applications must align with one or both of the NFF’s strategic focus areas of Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health. Applications that cohesively integrate the two program areas are encouraged.
• Project Timing: Eligible projects are no more than 12 months in duration, and start roughly two months after the application deadline.
• Letters of Support: All applications must include a letter of support from the Forest Supervisor of each National Forest or Grassland unit included in a proposal.
• Environmental Compliance: All 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

Click the button below to review the Round 1 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP), which contains full program requirements.

Informational Webinar

The NFF held an informational webinar about the Matching Awards Program on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Click the button below to view.

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
• MAP Application Tips (Appendix to the RFP)
• Guidance on NFF Budget Forms (Appendix to the RFP)
• MAP Informational Webinar (see above)