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: May 27 – July 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Daylight 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 November 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Download and refer to the MAP Round 2 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) below, for full program requirements and instructions for 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.
On June 10, 2026 we hosted a webinar for interested applicants. Access a recording of the webinar here and enter the passcode $0vH6fCe to view.
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.