Foresters’ Fund Grants Support 18 Local Projects for $47,420

December 16, 2022

'Tis the season for giving, and we’re celebrating the $47,420 in funding provided by the Foresters’ Fund for local SAF units in 2022. The funding was awarded to 18 different projects across the nation which fostered youth career exploration, sustainable forestry education, and professional growth.

This year, local units engaged with students of all ages, ran educational workshops, and took to the woods with interpretive signs on forest management and fire safety. These grassroots efforts tell the story of SAF and promote current and future professionals. In February, seven regular grants were awarded $13,980 for workshops, interpretive signages, and youth outreach. In June, the Foresters’ Fund awarded $4,190 in regular grants and $23,750 in special grants. These grants supported further educational outreach, the creation of a new trail loop near Roanoke, Virginia, and presentations to state legislators on the importance of forest sector economics and water management. 

This September, $5,500 in regular grants was awarded to SAF units in Texas, Montana, and North Carolina. The Mooney Lakes Chapter of Texas SAF received $2,000 to help develop the Tyler County Forest Museum. SAF members will assist in developing hands on-exhibits that tell the story of forestry through history, educating both students and adults on the importance of forests, professional foresters and natural resource managers. Montana SAF was awarded $1,500 to coordinate a workshop in partnership with the Montana Forest Collaboration Network to support place-based forest restoration, conservation, and resource utilization. Lastly, the Duke University Student Chapter received $2,000 to support their 13th annual Forestry Symposium at the Nicholas School of the Environment. The symposium will bring in experts to discuss forest resilience in the face of climate change for an audience of students, professionals, and the general public.  

Congratulations to all local units that received a grant this year. If you have a project in mind, don’t miss out on the next opportunity to apply for Foresters’ Fund grants. Proposals for regular (up to $2,000) grants are due February 15. All proposals require state executive committee approval, so it’s not too early to think about projects for the new year.

You can find an application form and additional details here.  

If you would like to contribute to the Foresters' Fund, you can donate here.