Forest Stewardship Program

CFDA 10.678 Active Grant Cooperative Agreement
No open Grants.gov opportunities under this program right now. Browse all Department of Agriculture programs →

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$14M FY2026
$10.8M
FY24
$5.3M
FY25
$14M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 In FY25, the Forest Stewardship Program partners educated more than half a million landowners about the importance of actively managing their land. More than a quarter of a million landowners received assistance to help understand what activities were needed to keep their land healthy and productive. With 10,500 forest management plans, covering 1.7 million acres, written by professional foresters. These management plans outline the recommended activities that a landowner can take over the next ten years to care for their land and keep their forests healthy. Nationwide, there are 5.6 million acres that are confirmed by the program as being managed sustainably, continue to: 1. Produce clean air
2. Improve water quality
3. Improve wildlife habitats

Program Objective

The Forest Stewardship Program works in partnership with state forestry agencies to connect private landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands. Actively managed forests provide timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational opportunities, and many other benefits.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. State Government
  • Other
  • U.S. Territory Government

State forestry or equivalent State agencies are eligible. All States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and territories and possessions of the United States may be eligible. Non-profit and Institutions of Higher Learning may be eligible on a limited/situational basis.

Beneficiaries

  • Land/Property Owner
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • U.S. State Government
  • Farmer / Rancher / Agriculture Producer
  • Local

Landowners of nonindustrial private forest lands, non-profit organizations, and other State, local, and private agencies acting through State Foresters, equivalent State officials, or other official representatives are eligible. Landowners seeking assistance through the Forest Stewardship Program should contact their state forest agency directly. Program guidelines differ from state to state.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Established by Regional Office, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, or Field Offices.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 30 to 60 days
  • Renewal interval: From 30 to 60 days

From 30 to 60 days after the application is filed with the Forest Service Regional Office, Field Office, or the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. States and eligible applicants are requested to submit Form SF-424(A) with SF-424 application and other required narratives, forms and assurances as advised by the Regional Office, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, and Field Offices within 30 to 60 days following official funding advice notification.

Program details & compliance

Description

Within the US, there are 10.6M private landowners who own 267 million acres of forest. The Forest Stewardship Program is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and state forestry agencies for state-delivered technical assistance for the planning and management of these non-industrial private forests. The program helps landowners plan and manage for economic productivity and improve the resilience and health of their forests. Leveraging 3,500+ state service foresters, this program is the foundational assistance that connects landowners to technical advice, market opportunities, and financial assistance.

Mission Categories

Primary: Forestry

Other categories:
Water Conservation

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

To provide financial, technical, educational, and related assistance to State foresters or equivalent State officials for: the delivery of information and professional assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest lands; the afforestation, reforestation, and active management of state and other non-federal forest land; and improved forest seedling production and distribution.

Restrictions

Construction related expenses are prohibited under this listing.

Required Documentation

No credentials or documentation are required.

Matching Requirements

Match must equal 50 percent of the federal funding and cannot derive from sources already pledged as match on other federal awards. Additional details regarding match are provided in the NOFO, Terms and Conditions, and the Regional Office.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Caroline Kuebler
414-267-7030
201 14th St SW, Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-11. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:28:31.