Important Notes
Note: As of January 27, this program is Open Until Filled. The first eligible Expression of Interest (EOI) received will be awarded the nomination spot.
Through MAP, the NFF provides funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands. MAP pairs federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. Focus Areas: Community engagement, Stewardship Activities, Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Long-Term Benefit
Eligible Project Types:
- Community Engagement
- Stewardship Activities
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Long-Term Benefit
Limitations on overlap of MAP awards:
- A single organization, or an independently operating chapter of a national or regional organization, may receive only one MAP grant in a 12-month period. A single project, as defined by its location, goals, and objectives, may receive only one MAP grant in a 12-month period. When multiple organizations are partnering on the same project, they must coordinate to submit only one application per 12-month period.
Summary of MAP Program Requirements
- Geographic Scope: National, must take place on US National Forests and Grasslands or adjacent public lands, and demonstrate benefit to National Forest System lands
- Funding Source: Federal funds via the US Forest Service
- Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments and organizations, and universities. Organizations that do not meet these eligibility types may be able to apply using a fiscal sponsor.
- Match Requirements: 1:1 nonfederal cash match
- Program Areas: All MAP applications must focus on in-person community engagement, and have a stewardship component
- Project Timing: Eligible projects are no more than 18 months in duration, and start three months after the application deadline
- Letters of Support: All applications must include a letter of support or letter of coordination from the District Ranger of each National Forest or Grassland unit included in a proposal
- Environmental Compliance: All applicable permitting and environmental compliance work (including but not limited to NEPA) must be complete before submitting a MAP application
- Administrative: Applicant must have or be able to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) if selected for funding
1:1 match of nonfederal cash funds directly received by the applicant organization. Projects funded in this round will begin in May 2025 and may run for up to 18 months. There is no official minimum or maximum award amount for the MAP program, and successful proposals vary widely in budget size. In recent years, NFF has considered applications ranging from less than $5,000 to over $70,000. The NFF suggests new MAP applicants submit applications requesting $35,000 or less.
