NFF's Community Assistance Program to Support Local Forest Partnerships
If you are involved in environmental stakeholder planning, you may be interested in the National Forest Foundation’s (www.natlforests.org) Community Assistance Program which aims to promote the creation of locally based forest partnerships that seek to build ecological, social, and economic sustainability. The program will support newly forming nonprofit organizations in need of start-up capacity-building that intend to proactively and inclusively engage the local community in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands.
CAP provides start-up grants in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 each, as well as basic tools and guidance, to enable newly forming grassroots community groups to resolve differences and play a more active role in the sustainable management of nearby national forests and surrounding communities. The program will support the organizational and technical assistance needs of newly forming multi-party groups that act as problem-solvers, bringing diverse members of the community together to address specific issues related to community-based forest stewardship, recreation, watershed restoration, and wildlife habitat through constructive dialogue and hands-on involvement.
CAP funds can be used for a wide range of tools, including technical assistance, training, consultants, community outreach, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, group facilitation, basic start-up and operating costs, materials and equipment, program development, nonprofit management skill-building, and communications.Complete program guidelines and application materials are available at the NFF Web site. The deadlines for applications are April 6, 2007, and September 7, 2007.
