News
$5 Million Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Wood Markets and Forest Supply Chains
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities has announced a significant $5 million funding opportunity aimed at strengthening wood markets, connecting underutilized wood fiber with new buyers, and supporting the long-term viability of working forests.
This initiative will invest up to $1 million annually over the next five years in organizations capable of developing sustainable, market-driven solutions. The goal is to enhance regional supply chains, rebuild processing capacity, and create new demand—particularly in areas facing market disruption and reduced manufacturing infrastructure.
An additional $500,000 has been allocated for projects in Northern New England and New York through a partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Forest Economy Initiative, further supporting rural economies and forest-based industries in those regions.
For WPMA members and the broader wood products industry, this funding represents an important opportunity. When local markets decline, the effects are felt across the entire supply chain—from landowners and loggers to manufacturers and distributors. Strengthening these markets is essential to maintaining active forest management and ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
Funding Priorities Include:
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Expanding market opportunities for underutilized wood fiber
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Strengthening regional supply chains from forest to end use
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Supporting scalable, near-term projects that attract additional investment
The Endowment expects to award funding to three to five organizations by June 2026 for five-year agreements focused on practical, results-driven market development.
Who Should Apply:
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based private companies, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions with demonstrated experience in:
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Wood products manufacturing
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Biomass utilization
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Economic and business development
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Forest-based supply chain innovation
Key Dates:
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Proposal Deadline: May 22, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)
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Award Notifications: June 12, 2026
WPMA encourages members and industry partners to explore this opportunity, particularly those positioned to drive innovation, expand markets, and strengthen the wood products supply chain.
For full details and application instructions, visit:
usendowment.org/funding-opportunities/