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1. What is the National Forest Foundation’s Community Assistance Program?
The NFF Community Assistance Program provides collaborative groups with start-up grants of $5,000 to $15,000 over two years, 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.
2. Who is eligible for funding?
In order to qualify for a grant through the CAP, the applicant must be:
- Newly forming or significantly reorganizing collaborative community-based nonprofits or unincorporated groups;
- Engaged in a collaborative process;
- Seeking to build local ecological, social and economic sustainability.
- Based in the community in which the collaboration is taking place and be legitimate stakeholders in the collaborative process;
- Working to develop solutions for sustainable management or restoration on and around National Forests and Grasslands that lead to on-the-ground work; specific issues should be related to community-based forest stewardship, recreation, watershed restoration, and/or wildlife habitat;
- Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) or utilize a fiscal sponsor organization with that designation;
Who should not apply:
- Established organizations
- Fire safe councils
- Federal agencies
- State or local governmental entities
- Organizations that are not collaborative in nature
3. What types of projects are not eligible for funding?
The NFF does not support partnerships among various agencies and/or nonprofits whereby only a few parties are engaged in working together on a specific project. Collaborative groups tend to have a broad array of interests, some of which may be in conflict, that are entering into civil dialogue to collectively consider possible recommendations and actions that improve the management of natural resources to benefit both the environment and surrounding communities.
4. How does the funding work?
CAP awards are made for two years of funding. The NFF will release one-half of the award at the beginning of the first year, and the remaining one-half of the award upon submission of the one-year interim report and demonstration of acceptable progress towards stated goals and objectives.
5. How are proposals evaluated?
Evaluation will be based on answers to the narrative questions in the RFP and the extent to which the collaborative has the following in place:
- A well defined, diverse stakeholder group;
- Specific buy-in to the process from all the stakeholders;
- An agreed upon timeline for the process;
- A common understanding of the goals and possible outcomes of the process;
- Acknowledged local leadership;
- Goals that are closely related to National Forest and Grassland stewardship and conservation issues;
- The support of the local U.S. Forest Service Forest Supervisor.
Priority will be given to organizations in underserved and culturally diverse communities that have had limited access to financial and organizational resources. Collaborative groups that clearly demonstrate the need and relevance of their program to the stewardship goals of the NFF and the Forest Service will be most successful.
6. How do I apply to the National Forest Foundation’s Community Assistance Program?
The NFF currently only accepts hard copy applications. Emailed and faxed applications will not be considered. Please visit the CAP Application Process (link to http://www.natlforests.org/cap_process.html) page for more information.
7. How often are proposals reviewed?
Proposals are reviewed approximately every two months.
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