Advancing Forest Markets Grant Program

The Advancing Forest Markets Grant Program is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through its Division of Lands and Forests. This program represents a significant state-led investment designed to strengthen the forest products economy and tree supply chain across New York State. With more than $46 million available, the initiative supports the broader goal of expanding tree planting capacity, improving forest-based market systems, and advancing the State’s 25 Million Trees initiative. The program is funded in part through a federal agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aligning state and federal priorities around reforestation, climate resilience, and sustainable economic development. The program is structured into three distinct funding tracks: the 25 Million Trees Nursery Discount Program, the Growing Reforestation Opportunities program, and the Tree Market Boost and Revitalization Program. Each track is designed to address a different segment of the forest supply chain, from nursery production and seed collection to market expansion and forest product development. Together, these tracks aim to reduce the cost of trees for end users, expand production capacity, and stimulate demand for forest-based goods such as timber, maple products, and other materials. Applicants may apply to one or more tracks, but only one application per track is permitted. Funding is offered in the form of performance-based incentive payments rather than traditional reimbursement grants. Awardees receive an initial enrollment incentive upon contract execution and subsequent quarterly payments tied to measurable performance outcomes. Eligible uses of funds include investments in staffing, operational capacity, production scaling, and market development activities. However, certain activities such as direct vegetation alteration or infrastructure tied to land modification may be restricted. All project work must occur entirely within New York State and be completed by January 15, 2028. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, encompassing state agencies, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and individual landowners. All applicants must either have or be able to obtain a Farm Service Agency Farm ID within New York State. Additional requirements may include submission of business plans, letters of recommendation, operational budgets, and compliance certifications related to workplace policies and federal regulations. Startups and new market entrants are eligible provided they demonstrate viability and alignment with program goals. Applications must be submitted through the New York Statewide Financial System Grants Management portal. Applicants are required to complete specific worksheets depending on the funding track, including bid sheets or project strategy documents, and must upload all required certifications and supporting materials. Not-for-profit applicants must also complete a prequalification process prior to submission. The application period opened on April 24, 2026, and closes at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on August 5, 2026. A webinar and biweekly office hours are provided to assist applicants, and questions are accepted until July 29, 2026. Proposals are evaluated through a two-step process including eligibility screening and technical scoring. Evaluation criteria include project design, anticipated impact, cost effectiveness, and alignment with program priorities. Awards are expected to be announced by October 2026. Successful applicants must enter into a formal contract with the State of New York and comply with reporting, documentation, and performance tracking requirements throughout the project period. Quarterly reports and a final report are required to demonstrate progress and outcomes. The program is expected to be a recurring funding opportunity aligned with long-term state and federal forestry initiatives, though specific future cycles are not guaranteed. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates through the Department of Environmental Conservation and prepare for future rounds by developing strong partnerships, clear performance metrics, and scalable project strategies.

Focus on clearly quantifiable performance metrics and demonstrate capacity expansion beyond baseline; align project with market demand and provide strong documentation of impact