National Forest Foundation | Collaborative Capacity Program for…

Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities

Financial Awards

2025 Program Update

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program financial awards provide resources to support collaborative activities that increase wildfire resilience, recreation opportunities, forest health, and rural economies. Eligible efforts must describe how investments in collaboration will support a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship outcomes and how these outcomes benefit National Forest System lands.

Key Dates

  • June 2025: Application period opens for Round 2
  • July 25, 2025: Mini Grant Application Deadline
  • August 1, 2025: Standard Grant Deadline for Community Partner Applicants
  • August 22, 2025: Standard Grant Deadline for Tribal Applicants

    CCP Program Overview

      • Mini Grants: Awards up to $10,000.
      • Standard Grants: Awards of $10,001-$75,000.
      • NFF will only accept one CCP application per organization in 2025. This limit includes both Mini Grant and Standard Grant Pathways for a total of one CCP 2025 application per organization, regardless of Pathway.
      • Geography: Proposals will be accepted from throughout the United States where there can be benefit to National Forest System lands.
      • Eligible Applicants: Federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, colleges and universities. If your organization or collaborative group does not meet this requirement, it may utilize an eligible fiscal sponsor.
      • Eligible Use of Funds: Funding must support collaboration or collaboration-based activities that aim to benefit National Forest System lands.
      • Ineligible Use of Funds: CCP may not support on-the-ground project implementation, advocacy, litigation, or political organizing.
      • Performance Period: Activities funded in this round will begin in late 2025 and may run for 12, 18, or 24 months.

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      Photo by Sabrina Claros

      Request for Proposals - Full Program Details

      Click below for full program requirements and instructions for how to apply.

      Informational Webinar

      The NFF held an informational webinar about the Collaborative Capacity Program on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

        Applicant Resources

        If you have reviewed the RFP and still have questions about program eligibility, feel free to contact the NFF. Requesting feedback from NFF staff about eligibility is encouraged to ensure you are submitting a proposal that will not be disqualified. Be sure to reach out well in advance of the deadline to ensure there is time to answer your questions. Contact information is provided below.

        Additional resources include:

        The NFF convened an Advisory Committee with a broad range of perspectives and experience, including collaborative conservation, rural capacity building, Tribal and Indigenous stewardship and co-stewardship, and outdoor recreation, for several months to influence the design of the CCP. We appreciate their expertise and guidance in developing this program.

        Contact

        If you have questions about the NFF's Collaborative Capacity Program that are not answered on this webpage or in the CCP Request for Proposals, please contact:

        Rebecca Brickner, Conservation Awards Coordinator - Collaborative Capacity, at 205.659.7822 or [email protected]