U.S. Endowment Opens Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Regional Wood Fiber Markets

Photography by: Mac Stone

Approximately $50,000 per selected organization will support regional priorities and partnerships to advance the Markets Matter Action Plan

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities has announced a funding opportunity for regional organizations to help turn the Markets Matter Action Plan into practical steps for strengthening wood fiber markets across the United States. 

Through the Markets Matter Regional Engagement Request for Proposals (RFP), the Endowment anticipates awarding approximately $50,000 to each selected organization. Funding will support regional stakeholder engagement to identify priority needs, implementation partners and investment opportunities for low-value, small-diameter and residual wood fiber. 

“Strong markets give landowners more options to manage their forests and help sustain rural businesses and jobs. Regional partners understand the challenges and opportunities closest to home. We want to bring those partners together to identify where support and investment can help move their priorities forward.”

Matt Krumenauer

Vice President, Markets at the Endowment

Across the country, organizations, businesses and public agencies are working to strengthen wood fiber markets. The Markets Matter Regional Engagement RFP will help connect those efforts, reduce duplication and focus resources on actionable regional opportunities. 

Selected organizations will build on existing assessments and initiatives, convene stakeholders and develop a focused set of recommendations tied to the Markets Matter Action Plan. Recommendations will identify priority actions, potential implementation partners and the support needed to advance them. Work must be completed by March 31, 2027. 

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, forest collaboratives, economic development organizations, industry and trade associations, Tribal organizations, universities, state or regional entities, and other qualified organizations with the relationships, expertise and capacity to lead regional engagement. 

Applications are due November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. To review the full RFP and application requirements, visit the Endowment’s Grantee Portal.  

About the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities:
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is a not-for-profit public charity collaborating with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. To learn more about the Endowment, please visit our website at www.usendowment.org.