Project Proposal / Grant Application Guidelines

 The Hardwood Forestry Fund promotes hardwood timber growth, management, education, and environmentally sound uses of renewable forest resources by providing grant funding to partnering organizations.  The Hardwood Forestry Fund supports sustainable forestry by funding selective tree planting, direct seeding, natural regeneration, management, and hardwood research requests.  Member forest products companies, foundations, and individuals provide funding for Hardwood Forestry Fund projects.  Funding requests are typically $1/ seedling or less. 

 Evaluation Criteria

The criteria used in evaluating Hardwood Forestry Fund project proposals include:

 1. Project Location: The Hardwood Forestry Fund supports projects on public land including federal, state, local or university land, or on property owned by non-profit organizations.  The land must be allocated for multiple use.  Appropriate planting sites include but are not limited to: idle land being converted to forest, sites damaged by wildfire, insect or disease, ice, or wind storm, and naturally regenerating sites lacking desired stocking or species composition.

 2. Professional Management: A natural resources professional responsible for the project should submit the application.  Proposals should include brief sustainable management plans including statements that address wildlife habitat enhancement, soil and water conservation, air quality, and high quality timber production.  All plans must include a harvest and regeneration schedule for the planted/managed trees.

 3. Species: Funding requests are considered for the planting and/or management of commercial hardwood species, giving preference to cherry, red oak, white oak, hard maple, and walnut.  See preferred species list.

 Funding is available for, but is not limited to: site preparation, seedling purchase, seed purchase, planting labor, TSI, competition control, pruning, tree shelter purchase and installation, fencing, and signage. 

 A NOTE TO APPLICANTS

If your application is selected for funding:

  • You will be asked to sign a Basis of Understanding that includes a segment that says the money sought for the project will be used solely as described in the application.
  • Species substitutions are not allowed unless formally approved by the HFF Board.
  • The Hardwood Forestry Fund asks for photos before the project is started and periodic updates on project success as well as photos of the site and help with press releases. 
  • Please retain receipts for work related to this grant.  The HFF requires copies of receipts to reimburse our grantees.  Please discuss funding that may be needed up front (seedling reservation or other) with HFF staff.

 How to Apply:

Complete the application form online at www.HardwoodFund.org.  The Hardwood Forestry Fund Board of Directors reviews project proposals twice each year.  E-mail inquiries and applications to: [email protected] or call (703) 435-2900.