The California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is accepting applications for its Joint Institute Grant Program, aimed at accelerating sustainable forest restoration in California. This program focuses on boosting the forest products market through innovation, research, and strategic development.
The Institute works to identify market and workforce gaps and explores new opportunities for forest product innovation, especially those related to carbon sequestration. It also provides recommendations for policy improvements that support forest product markets across the state.
Each fiscal year, around $450,000 in funding is anticipated to be available. Projects must request a minimum of $5,000 and cannot exceed $450,000. Funds are made available from July 1 each year and must be used within a 3-year cycle.
Eligible projects must contribute directly or indirectly to forest ecosystem sustainability, carbon storage, forest health, and the development of wood products, biofuels, or bioenergy. Both near-term and long-term market-related projects will be considered if they have the potential to significantly impact the industry.
Activities may include feasibility studies, market analyses, engineering work, technology development, software creation, and research into new applications for forest products. Projects supporting workforce housing and development in forest-based communities are also eligible.
Preference will be given to proposals that focus on innovation in wood and biomass products, business development, education, and workforce training. Additional priority is given to projects that align with state policy, improve hazardous fuels removal, and promote sustainable use of California-grown wood and biomass.
Applicants must demonstrate either a record of achievement or the potential to contribute to forest restoration goals. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, local and state governments, federal agencies, Native American tribes, nonprofits, and private entities involved in forest-related industries.
For more information, visit California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
