The National Forest Foundation (NFF) aims to engage communities across the United States in stewardship and conservation of National Forest System lands. It focuses on creating impactful change and providing opportunities, especially for underserved communities, to connect with and benefit from public lands through stewardship activities and community involvement.
The Matching Awards Program (MAP): Connecting People to Forests, is a nationwide competitive grant program designed to amplify the impact of funding for the benefit of National Forest Service lands. MAP leverages federal funds with non-federal dollars raised by recipients to support projects that integrate community involvement and hands-on stewardship activities. The program focuses primarily on in-person community engagement and the completion of stewardship projects that offer direct or indirect benefits to the National Forest System. Projects eligible for funding under MAP include public lands days, education on sustainable recreation principles, trail maintenance, and indigenous ecological practices, among others. The program prioritizes projects that advance diversity, equity, and long-term benefits to communities, particularly underserved ones, and those that promote a lasting connection to public lands.