Putting Our Dollars to Work: Local Units Receive Foresters’ Fund

July 21, 2021

Eight local units received grants from the SAF Foresters’ Fund in support of local projects to enhance public understanding of forestry and the profession, and to conduct leadership training to help prepare future leaders. The Foresters' Fund grant proposals awarded were received by the June 15 deadline and include leadership development, special, and regular grants. 

The grants support key elements of SAF’s mission and strategic plan, and they help empower local units to make local connections.

Leadership Development Grants
Leaders in three regions identified the continued development of leadership as a critical issue for future viability and success of the Society. The New England SAF, in partnership with New York and Allegheny SAF; Southwestern SAF, with their District 4 counterparts in Colorado-Wyoming, Dakotas, Intermountain, and Montana; and Appalachian SAF, which includes the Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina Divisions, all received leadership development grants for training in their respective areas. 

Special Grants
Receiving special grant funding were Inland Empire to expand education delivery to landowners and the public through podcasts oriented around general management themes, and Wisconsin and Michigan to provide youth from underserved populations opportunities to learn about careers in natural resources management. 

Regular Grants
Regular grants were awarded to Appalachian SAF for the delivery of a workshop titled “A Seat at the Table: Advancing our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”; Kentucky-Tennessee SAF for their Music and Mentoring event; and Montana SAF in support of deliverables from the Montana Forest Collaboration Network’s workshop.  

If your SAF unit is planning a project to promote forestry education and enhance public understanding of forest management and the profession, up to $1,500 is available per project. Visit the Foresters' Fund webpage to learn more and apply. The next deadline is September 15.