The Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity supports the growth and expansion of U.S. wood products and wood energy markets, advancing sustainable forest management and the long-term stewardship of National Forest System (NFS) lands and other forested areas.
The program encourages projects that:
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Expand mass timber and wood energy markets
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Promote technological innovation supporting hazardous fuel reduction
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Develop domestically sourced timber and U.S. manufacturing of mass timber and other wood products
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Engage wood industry partners and stimulate commercial building markets for innovative wood products
Funding Focus Areas
Projects should demonstrate impacts in one or more of the following areas:
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Mass Timber: Development, manufacturing, or use of mass timber in construction projects
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Wood Energy: Renewable energy solutions using biomass from forest health and hazardous fuels reduction projects
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Technological Development: Innovations that reduce forest management costs, optimize wood utilization, or bundle multiple wood product or energy initiatives
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Market Expansion: Activities that create or expand markets for wood products or biomass generated from forest management activities
Funding Details
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Total program funding: Up to $30 million
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Number of awards: Up to 100
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Award amounts: Typically capped at $300,000; may go up to $500,000 for projects demonstrating significant market impact (consultation with regional contacts required for requests > $300,000)
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Funding type: Cost-reimbursement basis
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Project duration: Varies by project; must clearly demonstrate outcomes aligned with funding objectives
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
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For-profit entities
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State and local governments
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Indian Tribes
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Not-for-profit organizations
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Institutions of higher education
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Special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities, fire districts, school districts, conservation districts, ports)
Projects must utilize domestically sourced timber for mass timber construction and demonstrate tangible benefits to forest management and market development.
Program Goals
The initiative aims to:
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Reduce costs associated with land and forest management
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Strengthen U.S. wood energy and wood products markets
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Promote innovative, commercially viable wood product markets
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Support the sustainable utilization of forest resources
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Encourage collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, not-for-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and special purpose districts.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects focused on mass timber, wood energy, technological innovation, and market development for wood products derived from forest management or hazardous fuel reduction.
3. What is the maximum award amount?
Awards are generally capped at $300,000, with exceptions up to $500,000 for projects demonstrating significant market impact (pre-submission consultation required).
4. How is funding provided?
Funding is on a cost-reimbursement basis, and all awards are subject to funding availability.
5. Can projects include multiple partners?
Yes, projects that engage wood industry partners or multiple stakeholders are encouraged, especially if they demonstrate market expansion or innovation potential.
6. Are foreign-sourced materials allowed?
No. Projects must use domestically sourced timber for mass timber and wood product initiatives.
7. How many projects will be funded?
Up to 100 awards are anticipated, depending on funding availability and project merit.
8. What is the purpose of the funding?
To support sustainable forest management, advance domestic wood product and wood energy markets, reduce hazardous fuel risks, and foster technological innovation in the wood sector.
9. Do I need to contact the agency before applying?
Yes. Applicants requesting more than $300,000 must consult with regional contacts prior to submission.
10. Where can I get more information?
Applicants should contact their regional U.S. Forest Service office or visit the agency’s Wood Innovations program webpage for application details and guidelines.
Conclusion
The Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity provides a strategic platform for public, private, and non-profit entities to expand wood markets, promote sustainable forest management, and advance wood energy and mass timber technologies across the United States. By funding projects that create tangible economic and environmental impact, the program strengthens domestic wood product industries while supporting the responsible management of forest resources.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
