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Grants / Community development

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

Forest Service, Department of Agriculture

Deadline
December 8, 202611:59PM Eastern Time
Award size
Up to $1 millionAbout 6 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps pay for buying forest land in parts of Michigan and Wisconsin to protect nature and provide benefits to communities. It is meant for local governments, tribes, and certain nonprofits.

The money can pay for

  • Buying forest land
  • Protecting habitats for animals and plants
  • Providing community benefits
  • Improving recreation areas

Who can apply

City or township governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant may be challenging for small nonprofits because it requires matching funds and focuses on large land purchases, which may be beyond their capacity.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Projects must be at least five acres
  • Projects must provide community benefits
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

Federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government entities, and nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land may apply for up to $1,000,000 for the fee simple acquisition of private forest land in portions of the Lake Superior Basin of Michigan and Wisconsin. Projects submitted for funding consideration must be forested properties at least five acres in size that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and that provide community benefits including economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. An additional focus of this opportunity is to protect, enhance and increase resilience of habitats necessary for sustaining native aquatic and terrestrial species important to the Lake Superior ecosystem. Competitive proposals will be those that demonstrate exceptional public benefits, meaningful community engagement, and strategic…

Read the full description

Federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government entities, and nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land may apply for up to $1,000,000 for the fee simple acquisition of private forest land in portions of the Lake Superior Basin of Michigan and Wisconsin. Projects submitted for funding consideration must be forested properties at least five acres in size that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and that provide community benefits including economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. An additional focus of this opportunity is to protect, enhance and increase resilience of habitats necessary for sustaining native aquatic and terrestrial species important to the Lake Superior ecosystem. Competitive proposals will be those that demonstrate exceptional public benefits, meaningful community engagement, and strategic contributions to terrestrial habitat connectivity within the defined Terrestrial Habitat Connectivity Pilot Area. For additional information and requirements, please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity document linked in both the "Related Documents" tab and the "Instructions" link located in the "Package" tab.

Opportunity number
USDA-FS-2026-GLRI-CFP
Posted
July 22, 2026
Total funding
$3.5 million
Eligible applicants
City or township governments
County governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Assistance listing
10.689 Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (CFP)
Agency contact
Liam M Krause Grantor
liam.krause@usda.gov
4142384843
Open the official listing on Grants.gov