Funding Information
The Forest Service is authorized under several laws to collaborate and work with partners to carry out projects. The three major pathways for receiving federal funding to help carry out projects are: 1) grants and cooperative agreements, 2) partnership agreements, and 3) contracts.
Grants and cooperative agreements are best if the partnership serves a public good and meets the intent of a specified assistance authority. Partnership agreements are best if partners wish to jointly participate in project development and have mutual interest and benefit with the agency. Contracts are best if the project primarily benefits a Forest Service purpose, and no cost-sharing is expected.
A Forest Service employee will be able to help guide you to the right method for your need.
Grants and Cooperative Agreements are used when the primary purpose of the relationship for the recipient to carry out a public purpose or when substantial involvement is not expected of the Forest Service to the recipient when carrying out the activity.
There are many grant opportunities with the Forest Service. To learn about grant opportunities please see the following resources:
Grants.gov is an E-Government initiative operating under the governance of the Office of Management and Budget which provides a centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities. Today, the Grants.gov system houses information on over 1,000 grant programs and vets grant applications for federal grant-making agencies.
Cooperative Forestry | USDA Forest Service (usda.gov) Cooperative Forestry provides financial and technical assistance to landowners, communities, and businesses to actively manage and sustain long-term investment in non-federal forest land. Their programs have regular grant opportunities.
Partnership Agreements typically involve parties with a shared vision wherein mutual interest and benefit exists. A viable agreement usually requires joint contribution and accomplishment of the work. Partnership Agreements include Participating Agreements, Challenge Cost-Share Agreements, Cost-Reimbursable Agreements, and Stewardship Agreements. Partners may also contribute funding to the Forest Service for specific projects or activities through Collection Agreements. Other agreements are Fire, Law Enforcement, and Cooperative Road Agreements.
To learn more about partnering with the Forest Service, see the Preparing to Partner page.
All vendors are required to be registered on System for Award Management (SAM.gov) in order to do business with the federal government. To bid on government contracts, you must go to www.sam.gov and select “Log In” to complete authentication and create an account.