Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation Grant, FY 2025-2026

The Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation Grant Program is administered by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection through the Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation, which was established under Executive Order B-52-18. The Institute is funded by the Timber Yield Tax and operates as a state-level initiative to strengthen California’s forest products sector. Its mission centers on advancing innovation, addressing workforce and market gaps, and promoting sustainable forest management practices through research, policy recommendations, and industry development. A key emphasis is placed on supporting projects that enhance carbon sequestration, expand wood product utilization, and contribute to a resilient and economically viable forest-based economy. This funding opportunity is designed to increase the pace and scale of sustainable forest restoration in California by supporting projects that contribute to long-term forest ecosystem health, carbon storage, and the development of wood products, biofuels, and bioenergy. The program prioritizes projects that are closely tied to market development, particularly those that can demonstrate near-term implementation potential, although longer-term projects with significant industry impact are also eligible. Funding supports research and development activities that advance innovative wood and biomass uses, including engineering, technology development, feasibility studies, and product design. Eligible uses of funds include a wide range of activities such as market analyses, feedstock supply studies, permitting strategies, development of new wood or biomass products, testing for regulatory compliance, and workforce-related initiatives. Projects may also include software development, evaluation of pilot programs, and solutions addressing workforce housing in forest-dependent communities. The program places strong emphasis on innovation and scalability, particularly in areas that support hazardous fuel reduction, biomass utilization, and forest resilience. While matching funds are not required, proposals that include match or in-kind contributions may receive additional consideration during evaluation. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of entities such as academic institutions, local, state, and federal agencies, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private entities including businesses and foundations. Applicants must demonstrate either a track record of relevant accomplishments or a credible potential to expand wood and biomass utilization in California. Existing grantees may apply for additional funding but will be subject to additional review criteria related to performance and capacity. All applicants must submit complete proposals that include a detailed scope of work, budget, timeline, and supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted via email as a single compiled file by August 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Required components include project details, organizational background, key personnel information, a detailed budget, and letters of support where applicable. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including scope of work, project impact, readiness, budget justification, and applicant qualifications. Deliverables include regular progress reports, presentations, and final reports, all of which must meet accessibility standards and be submitted within specified timelines. The total funding available for the fiscal year is $375,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $375,000. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029, and all costs must be incurred within the defined project performance period. Awards are expected to be announced in November 2026 following a review period from August through October. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications anticipated to be accepted each fiscal year, making it a recurring funding opportunity aligned with California’s long-term forest management and climate goals.

Strong alignment with Institute priorities measurable outcomes and clear readiness timelines improve competitiveness; proposals with match funding may receive additional consideration