Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership                      

Resources and Opportunities 

Register for 2024 Annual Conservation Finance Training. The CF Program is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 FS CF Training! This training provides FS staff as well as existing and potential partners with an introduction to FS CF approaches. The goal of the training is to increase knowledge so staff and partners can take actionable steps to increase financial resources and capacity for land management activities. See the attached announcement for more information on the training and click here to register by January 19th.  

Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) Applications Open! Round 4 of the IFNF grant program is now open! IFNF supports the development and implementation of innovative finance models that leverage capital other than FS appropriations and enhance the resilience of the National Forest Systems. FS units/programs can work with eligible partners to develop proposals that benefit agency priorities. Applications are due no later than April 22, 2024. Please view the IFNF website to learn more about the program and to sign up for the informational webinar occurring on January 17th. 

FS Wood Innovation Grants, Others Open. Nearly $50M is available in FS grant funding through its Wood Innovations, Community Wood, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance grants. The FS is seeking proposals that support crucial links between resilient forests, strong rural economies, and jobs in the forestry sector. This opportunity has strong tie-ins to CF as this funding will help spark innovation, create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, and expand processing capacity. Applications are due December 15th. See the FS Wood Innovations Program website for more information.   

U.S Endowment for Forestry and Communities Announces Impact Investing Program. The program seeks to deploy up to $5 million in 2024 through impact investments in companies, funds, or projects that advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable benefits for the health and vitality of our nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. Gordian Knot Strategies is supporting the development of the program. An informational webinar will be held December 7, 2023 and the Request for Proposals is due February 13, 2024. 

Just Transition Fund Offers Technical Assistance Services.  Motivated by the challenges communities face in the changing coal economy, the Just Transition fund was created to assist local organizations secure federal funding. These technical assistance services include identifying funding sources, providing grant writing assistance, facilitating meetings with affected stakeholders, and other activities throughout the grant application process. If you represent a community-based organization or local or state government in a priority state, you can learn more and apply to receive transition planning and strategy support here.