USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support: Landowner Cost Share Payment Programs for Climate Mitigation and/or Forest Resilience Practices
ID: 355249Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$0 - $5M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355249

Additional Information

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/state-private-tribal-forestry/coop-forestry/ira-forest-landowner-support
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is offering a funding opportunity under the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at supporting state-endorsed programs that provide cost share payments to landowners for climate mitigation and forest resilience practices. This initiative allocates a total of $140 million, with individual funding amounts capped at $5 million for single-state projects and $15 million for multi-state initiatives, requiring a 20% non-federal match of project costs. The program is designed to enhance forest health and ecosystem services by targeting non-federal, non-industrial landowners, indigenous tribes, and local government units, while emphasizing the importance of aligning proposals with state forestry priorities and engaging underserved landowners. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by September 30, 2024, and can reach out to the Forest Landowner Support Staff via email at SM.FS.LandownerlRA@usda.gov for further inquiries.

    Point(s) of Contact
    SM.FS.LandownerlRA@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NOFO3
    NOFO3_Applicant
    NOFO3_Applicant.pdf
    The Forest Landowner Support initiative, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, allocates $450 million to support cost share payment programs aimed at climate mitigation and forest resilience for rural non-Federal landowners. Proposals must be submitted by September 30, 2024, allowing applicants such as state forestry agencies and endorsed nonprofits to request funding ranging from $5 million for single-state projects to $15 million for multi-state initiatives. Eligible recipients include non-federal, non-industrial forest landowners, indigenous tribes, and local government units. Practices funded must contribute positively to climate resilience and ecosystem health, adapting to site-specific conditions. Key guidelines stipulate a 20% match of project costs, with potential reductions for underserved landowner engagement. The funding prohibits capital improvements, equipment purchases, and lobbying. Applicants are evaluated based on their program goals, connection to state priorities, implementation plans, targeting of underserved landowners, and overall capacity to execute the proposed program. Interested organizations must ensure registration on relevant platforms and submit comprehensive applications including a detailed proposal narrative and letters of endorsement if applicable. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing forest management while engaging local stakeholders.
    NOFO3.pdf
    The USDA Forest Service has announced a funding opportunity aimed at supporting state-endorsed programs that provide cost share payments to landowners for climate mitigation and forest resilience practices, as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible entities include state forestry agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local government bodies with endorsements from State Foresters. Funding amounts are capped at $5 million for programs in a single state and $15 million for multi-state initiatives, with a required non-federal match of 20% of the total project cost. The program targets non-industrial private forest lands, local government-owned forests, and lands held in trust for Native Hawaiians, specifically aiming to assist non-federal, non-industrial landowners. Administrative costs can account for up to 20% of awarded funds, but at least 80% must directly support cost share payments. Interested applicants can apply through grants.gov by September 30, 2024. For inquiries, they can reach out via the provided USDA email.
    USDA-FS-2024-IRA-FLS-03_FAQ_080124.pdf
    The primary objective of this procurement is to secure cost-effective climate mitigation and forest resilience practices on non-industrial private forest lands. The focus is on enabling forest landowners to enhance their land's ability to mitigate climate change and increase forest resilience. The USDA Forest Service seeks proposals from eligible entities, such as state forestry agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions, to implement cost-sharing programs. These programs aim to encourage and support landowners in adopting eligible practices. Eligible practices must meet five key requirements: positive climate impact, holistic ecosystem health, site-specific design, resilience to future climate changes, and cost-effectiveness. They should also align with state forest action plans and landscape-scale conservation strategies. Applicants can request up to $5 million for single-state programs and $15 million for multi-state initiatives. The scope of work involves designing and implementing cost-share programs, including determining eligible practices and managing applications from landowners. Applicants must reserve at least 80% of the requested funds for these cost share payments. The remaining funds can cover administrative and program management costs, with a maximum of 20% of the total request. Proposals are evaluated based on their relevance to state and USDA Forest Service priorities, program viability, implementation plans, and effectiveness in engaging underserved landowners. The agency seeks a diverse portfolio of applications regarding geography, supported practices, and landowner engagement. Awards are anticipated in late 2024, with semi-annual reporting required thereafter.
    USDA-FS-2024-IRA-FLS-03_FAQ_081924.pdf
    The "Cooperative Forestry" document details a funding opportunity under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aimed at supporting forest landowners through cost share payments for climate mitigation and forest resilience practices. Key definitions establish that climate mitigation involves forests acting as carbon sinks, and forest resilience relates to resistance against environmental stressors. The document outlines eligibility for applicants, which include state forestry agencies, nonprofits, and local governments, while excluding individual landowners from direct applications. Financial assistance covers non-industrial landowners for practices enhancing resilience and mitigation, with a required contribution of at least 20% of total project costs from non-federal sources. Proposals must align with state forestry priorities and target underserved landowners, such as beginning farmers and tribal members. The application process emphasizes the need for project alignment with state goals and ecological conditions. The document clarifies budget guidelines, providing maximum funding amounts per proposal and stipulating conditions on administrative costs. Reporting requirements and implementation standards are also specified. Overall, the initiative seeks to improve forest health and ecosystem services through collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders while mobilizing federal support to address climate challenges effectively.
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