Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

Overview

• Type

  Grant

• Title

  Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

• Source

  Department of Agriculture - Forest Service

• Federal or State

  Federal

• Total Amount

  $4,950,000

• Number of Awards

  6-10

• Award Range

  $1 - $600,000

• Cost Share

  Yes

• Status

  Active

Topics

Land & Water Management

Eligibility

• Audience

  Local Government, Nonprofits, Tribes

• Sector

  Land & Water Management

• Activity

  Planning, Program Management

• Eligibility

  Eligible Entities

  • Federally recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Governments
  • Local government entities (County Government, Municipality or Township Government)
  • Nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land

  Eligible Activities

  The intent of Community Forest Program funds is to acquire private forest land threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and establish community forest that provide community benefits. Community benefits include economic benefits through active forest management, environmental benefits such as clean water and wildlife habitat, educational opportunities and public access for recreation. Allowable project costs include the purchase price for the property as well as transactional costs related to its acquisition. This includes:

  • Appraisals and appraisal reviews
  • Land surveys
  • Legal and closing costs
  • Development of the Community Forest Plan
  • Title examination

• Location

  National

Application Process

• Application Link

  Apply Now

• Pre-Application?

  No

• Requirements

  • All applicants must demonstrate a 1:1 match of federal funds to non-federal funds for the total project cost, which may include cash, in-kind services, or donations from a non-Federal source. Cost share is not required for requested technical assistance funds.
  • Land eligible for grants funded under this program is private forest land that is suitable to sustain natural vegetation and provides community benefits under Community Forest Program and is:
    • At least 75% forested;
    • At least five acres in size;
    • Threatened by conversion to non-forest uses;
    • Not held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Indian Tribe and not Tribal allotment lands. Lands acquired by Tribes through the Community Forest Program cannot be added into trust
    • Offered for sale by a willing seller.

  • Applications are not submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Instead, applicants must submit applications to their State Forester or equivalent Tribal official. (See here for State Forester contact information.)
    • All applicants must send an e-mail to FS.CFP@usda.gov to confirm that an application has been submitted to the State Forester or equivalent Tribal official for funding consideration.

• Disbursement Method

  Unspecified

Important Dates

• Application Open Date

  Aug 12, 2026

• Application Close Date

  Oct 13, 2026

Resources & Contacts

• Contact

  General questions about the program or grant applications may be directed to: FS.CFP@usda.gov.

  Applicants are also encouraged to reach out to and work with the appropriate Forest Service points of contact (below) during the application process before submission. Please contact the appropriate Forest Service contact if you would like review and feedback on your application and maps before submitting the final application.

  Forest Service Point of Contact: Candice Washington, washington@usda.gov, 971-710-2346

• Resources

  How the Community Forest Program Works | US Forest Service
  Community Forest and Open Space Program | US Forest Service Research and Development
  Grants.gov Application Platform
  Our Membership – National Association of State Foresters