Healthy American Forests Initiative

The Healthy American Forests Initiative (HAFI) is a funding opportunity managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), a private nonprofit organization. This initiative is supported through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and is designed to enhance watershed restoration and vegetation management efforts on National Forest System (NFS) lands. With a mission rooted in advancing ecological health, the program focuses on restoring forest ecosystems, promoting sustainable land use practices, reducing wildfire risks, and supporting rural economies through conservation-focused job creation. By investing in healthy forest infrastructure, HAFI aims to protect both natural resources and surrounding communities from environmental threats. Through this program, NFWF anticipates issuing 10 to 15 grants ranging in size from $250,000 to $2 million. Projects must be completed within a two-year timeframe and conclude no later than May 30, 2028. To strengthen the commitment to partnership and shared investment, a non-federal match valued at 20 percent of the total project cost—or 25 percent of the grant request to NFWF—is required. Notably, Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) may provide match funding for eligible Tribally led projects, contingent on availability. Applicants interested in this opportunity are encouraged to consult with NFWF staff about coordinating the use of NAP's support, although these matching funds should not be included in the formal application budget. Eligible projects must take place on National Forest System lands, which span 193 million acres across 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Projects must align with water source protection plans under Section 303(d)(1) or watershed restoration action plans under Section 304(a)(3) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. Allowable activities include vegetation removal, prescribed burning, aquatic habitat restoration, and road decommissioning to improve ecological function. Projects must also align with at least one of the program's core priorities: enhancing habitat connectivity, expanding ecosystem services, strengthening ecosystem and community health, increasing public access to nature, stimulating local and regional economies, or contributing to workforce development. All applicants must apply through the NFWF Easygrants online system. Application materials, including a proposal narrative and relevant metrics, must be submitted by March 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Prior to submission, applicants should engage with the National Forest Unit where their project is proposed and obtain a letter of support. Metrics should be chosen from NFWF’s predefined list to ensure uniform data reporting across funded projects. A full proposal webinar and other technical assistance resources are available through NFWF’s website to guide applicants through the process. The evaluation of applications will consider multiple criteria, including conservation outcomes, technical merit, community impact, and cost-effectiveness. Proposals must include quantifiable metrics, realistic timelines, plans for long-term sustainability, and evidence of meaningful community collaboration. Budgets should reflect reasonable, allowable expenses and demonstrate an efficient use of grant and matching funds. All funded projects are expected to comply with relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations such as NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance documentation must be submitted prior to initiating any funded activity. Applicants can contact program staff at NFWF for guidance, including Sydney Godbey, Ericka Popovich, and Zoey Apelt. Technical support for Easygrants submissions is also available through a dedicated helpdesk. With a firm commitment to environmental compliance and collaborative conservation, the Healthy American Forests Initiative represents a strategic opportunity to advance forest health and community resilience across the nation's public lands.

Collaborate with USFS units for support letters; choose relevant metrics only; include clear sustainability plans