US Endowment for Forestry and Communities Announces $5 Million Funding Initiative for Wood Fiber Markets

The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities announced a $5 million funding opportunity aimed at connecting underutilized wood fiber with new buyers, strengthening regional supply chains, and supporting the long-term viability of working forests.

The initiative will invest up to $1 million annually over five years in selected organizations focused on developing durable market solutions, particularly in regions facing reduced processing capacity and shifting market conditions. The effort is intended to help maintain productive forests and support rural economies.

An additional $500,000 has been allocated for projects in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont through a partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Forest Economy Initiative.

“Supporting a vibrant forest economy in Northern New England and New York is a central focus of the Commission. This innovative collaboration with the Endowment will leverage our collective knowledge and resources for the benefit of rural communities and their residents,” said Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair of the NBRC.

The Endowment expects to select three to five organizations by June for five-year agreements focused on practical market development, including identifying new buyers for underutilized wood fiber, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting scalable, near-term projects.