The Fund aims to support new or existing gear libraries and outdoor recreation programs in communities on or near lands managed by the Forest Service. The selected projects will offer a range of outdoor equipment and programming to facilitate local recreation activities, with the primary objective of fostering connections with the agency and increasing opportunities to recreate on national forests. In addition, this program also seeks to support initiatives that facilitate equitable access to, and enjoyment of lands managed by the Forest Service such as outdoor programs, community engagement, and recreation stewardship initiatives. 

Funding will be prioritized for Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and businesses led by and serving historically marginalized populations, as defined by the Justice40 Climate & Economic Justice screening tool and/or the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy Priority Landscapes.

The National Forest Community Recreation Fund is a pilot program and funding beyond the grant period will not be guaranteed.

Funding requests cannot exceed $50,000.