Are you seeking a partner for an innovative project that engages communities that rely on, or care for, sustainably managed forests? The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is interested in hearing from you.
SFI opened its annual request for proposals (RFP) for SFI Community Grants today. Grant applications will be accepted from eligible entities until January 31, 2020, at 11:59 pm eastern time. Requirements for this year’s program are available on the SFI website.
SFI Community Grants promote collaboration with the SFI Network to support local communities’ understanding of the value and benefits of sustainably managed forests. Community Grants are awarded for collaborative community-based projects, activities or events that support SFI’s mission to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.
Priority projects
- Growing certification across all three SFI standards.
- Generating, measuring, and communicating conservation outcomes that demonstrate SFI’s contribution to overall ecosystem health and sustainability.
- Communicating with and leveraging the SFI Network to build a mutual understanding of the benefits of sustainably managed forests and forest products.
- Growing meaningful relationships with Indigenous, African American, and underserved communities to advance social, economic, and environmental opportunities.
- Focusing partnerships, grant-giving, and communications to build a greater understanding of the role of forests and trees in our everyday lives.
- Developing a sustainable Project Learning Tree (PLT) program built on a learning framework that uses trees and forests as a window on the world.
- Growing professional development for educators, loggers, architects, and other influencers to enable them to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
- Strengthening outdoor opportunities as well as green career pathways for youth.
Partnership requirements
All projects must be submitted by an SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) or non-profit organization. If the proposal is submitted by a non-profit organization, the project must include an SFI Implementation Committee or SFI-certified organization as an active project partner.
Funding levels
Applications that feature creative partnerships, and/or high degrees of leverage (e.g., matching funds, and scale of impact) are preferred. Grants are awarded in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per year per project, with projects limited to one year in length. (All figures in U.S. dollars.)
Since the first SFI Community Grant was awarded in 2010, SFI has awarded 91 grants totaling more than $650,000 to foster community-building projects. When leveraged with project partner contributions, that total investment is close to $5 million.
Apply by Jan. 31 (11:59 pm ET)
Questions?
Amy Doty, Senior Manager, Community Engagement, (202) 596 3458.
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