The Sustainable Forests and Communities Initiative (SFCI), administered by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, is designed to support the development of environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable communities in forested regions of the United States. For over 30 years, this initiative has addressed challenges brought on by timber industry shifts and reductions in federal timber harvests by promoting integrated community approaches that prioritize conservation, economic development, and collaborative public engagement.
The SFCI prioritizes proposals that advance forest conservation, foster sustainable economic activities rooted in forestry, and support community-led planning and consensus-building efforts. Eligible activities include job creation in forest management, development of sustainable forestry products and markets, forest restoration, and innovative business or policy models that promote valuation and preservation of forest ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water regulation. Partnerships and collaborative program models that can scale across geographies or leverage shared expertise are also highly valued.
Applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities. Fiscal sponsorships are allowed only if there is a formal agreement and direct fiscal/programmatic oversight. Grants may support single or multi-year projects, with the latter requiring annual renewal through outcome-based grant reporting. The average first-year grant award in 2025 was $42,200, and the maximum award is $50,000 per year.
The initiative follows a fixed annual cycle. Letters of inquiry (LOIs) open on November 15 and are due by January 1. Selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals between March 1 and March 15. Trustees conduct applicant interviews in April and May, with award notifications issued by June 30. Funds are disbursed by July 31. Continued funding in future years is contingent on annual reporting and review, with no need for additional materials unless requested.
Applications must be outcome-oriented, with a clear articulation of program goals and a plan for measuring both qualitative and quantitative impact. Proposals for general operations, capital expenditures, land acquisition, media creation, or public education are not eligible. SFCI does not fund individuals, start-ups, endowments, or lobbying. Interested organizations should thoroughly review the foundation's guidelines to ensure strong alignment before initiating the application process.
Proposals misaligned with guidelines are immediately disqualified; outcome metrics and sustainability planning are strongly emphasized.
