Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
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.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
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.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $1,000,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $3,500,000
- Expected Number of Awards
- 6
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Forest Service is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Forest Service program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361418).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Forest Service — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on December 8, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Forest Service are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from Forest Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program?
This opportunity from Forest Service is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program provide?
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program provides awards of up to $1,000,000.
When is the deadline for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program?
The application deadline for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program is December 8, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program?
Apply for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361418). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
Helpful Resources
Need help writing your grant application?
Try Instrumentl — Grant Writing Software →Starting a nonprofit to apply for grants?
Launch your nonprofit with Swyft Filings →GrantLocate may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our grant listings.