Connecting People to Forests
The National Forest Foundation’s flagship competitive grant program, the Matching Awards Program (MAP), focuses on community engagement and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. The program’s goal is to create lasting change that provides all communities with opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest lands.
Overview
- Geographic Restrictions: Projects must take place on U.S. National Forests or Grasslands, or on adjacent public lands, and demonstrate a benefit to the National Forest System lands.
- Application Window: November 16, 2026 – January 19, 2027 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time
- Funding Type: Federal Funds in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Federal Assistance Listing 10.682. Subawards are generally issued as advance funding.
- Eligible Organizations: Nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments and organizations, and universities
- Cost Share Requirements: 1:1 nonfederal cost share of cash or in-kind contributions. The subrecipient must utilize the cost share within the NFF grant performance period and the completion of the same project.
- Performance Period: Projects will begin in May or June 2027 and may run up to 18 months.
Download and refer to the MAP Round 1 2027 Request for Proposals (RFP) below for full program requirements and instructions on how to apply.
View RFPApplicant Resources
MAP is highly competitive, and the NFF only funds projects that align exceptionally well with programmatic criteria. A list of past awards is available here.
A webinar will be held for interested applicants on December 3, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM Mountain Time. Register here.
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 email [email protected] to connect with Carissa Beckwith, Conservation Awards Coordinator.