Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
ID: 356124Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$0 - $600K

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits Without 501(c)(3) Status

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Other

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356124

Additional Information

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/community-forest/program
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is inviting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP), a competitive grant initiative aimed at supporting Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations in acquiring private forest land to establish community forests. The program's primary objective is to protect forestland from conversion to non-forest uses while providing community benefits such as public recreation, environmental education, and economic development. Eligible applicants must submit their proposals by January 13, 2025, to their respective State Foresters or Tribal officials, with grant amounts reaching up to $600,000 and a required non-federal cost share of at least 50%. For further details, interested parties can contact Margaret Haines at SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov or visit the Community Forest Program website.

    Point(s) of Contact
    SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    application-guidance-revised.pdf
    The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program provides guidance for applicants seeking funding for the acquisition of conservation lands. Each application must include an eight-page narrative detailing the project budget, property description, current land use, forest type, community benefits, and engagement efforts. Detailed maps and eligibility verification are also required. Eligible lands must be at least five acres, primarily forested, and offer community benefits. The application encourages outlining threats to the property, community demographics, outreach strategies, and support from local entities. A budget capped at $600,000 must be submitted with a proposed timeline and cost-sharing details. The program aims to promote sustainable forest management while enhancing economic, environmental, recreational, and educational opportunities in disadvantaged communities. Applicants must verify their eligibility status and provide a letter of support if the property is near federal land. Overall, the program fosters community engagement in the conservation of forested areas, ensuring ecological and communal resilience.
    Community.pdf
    The USDA Forest Service is soliciting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP) for Fiscal Year 2025. This program, established by the 2008 Farm Bill, offers competitive grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified non-profits for acquiring threatened private forest land, aimed at enhancing community benefits such as recreation, environmental education, and economic development. Applicants must submit proposals by January 13, 2025, to their respective State Foresters or Tribal officials, who will forward them by February 10, 2025. Key eligibility criteria include the land being a minimum of five acres, predominantly forested, and at risk of conversion to non-forest uses. Grant amounts can reach up to $600,000, requiring at least 50% non-federal cost share. The application includes narrative descriptions, project maps, and verification of eligibility. A national review panel will evaluate submissions based on community benefits, engagement levels, and the threat of land conversion, with funding dependent on availability. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to preserving forest land while promoting sustainable community development.
    scoring-guidance-revised.pdf
    The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program Panel Scoring Guidance outlines the evaluation criteria for project applications aimed at conserving community forests and open spaces. Applications will be scored based on four key criteria: Community Benefits (0-20 points), Community Engagement (0-10 points), Strategic Contribution and Connection (0-5 points), and Threat Assessment (0-5 points). Projects are evaluated for their economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits to the community, with a focus on inclusivity in community engagement efforts. Additional considerations are given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities and demonstrating climate resilience. The document emphasizes the importance of involvement from underrepresented groups and the strategic relevance of projects within broader conservation initiatives. Finally, it assesses potential threats to project land, including development pressures, while ensuring that applicants’ past intentions to conserve their land are acknowledged positively. This structured approach aims to enhance the quality and diversity of future applications, ultimately fostering community and environmental well-being.
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