Simpler Grants.gov #USDA-FS-2026-CFP

USDA Forest Service Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program Grant Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry is soliciting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP): - Purpose: Provide competitive grants to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profits for fee simple acquisition of private forest land to establish community forests - OEM Highlight: USDA Forest Service is the only OEM/vendor involved - Products/Services Requested: - Financial assistance for land acquisition (fee simple purchase) - Support for appraisals, surveys, legal and closing costs, title examination, and development of a community forest plan - Key Requirements: - Public access to acquired land is mandatory - Eligible land must be at least 75% forested, a minimum of five acres, threatened by conversion, and offered by a willing seller - Allowable costs: land purchase price and transactional costs (appraisals, surveys, legal/closing costs, title examination, community forest plan) - Unallowable costs: indirect costs, long-term operations, construction, research, and application preparation - 1:1 cost share required (federal to non-federal funds) - Funding: - Total program funding up to $4,950,000 - Individual awards up to $600,000 - Application Process: - Applications must be submitted to State Foresters or equivalent Tribal officials, not directly to the Forest Service - Period of Performance: - Initial grant period is two years for land acquisition, with possible extensions

Description

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP). This competitive grant program provides financial assistance to Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land. The program aims to protect forestland from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs. Public access is required for all projects. Applications must be submitted to the State Forester or equivalent Tribal officials by October 13, 2026, with a confirmation email sent to SM.FS.CFP@usda.gov.

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