Grants and Agreements

The federal government, including the Forest Service, is authorized under several laws to collaborate and work with partners to carry out projects. There are laws that provide additional authorities and instruments for working in partnership and collaboration with communities, individuals, and organizations. 

The formal relationship for these partnerships are documented with either a grant or agreement depending on the work to be done and the type of funding. Projects currently include a wide variety of activities such as, but are not limited to, work in weed management, recreation, fuels, wildlife, restoration and watershed management.

Types of Forest Service Grants and Agreements

Partnership Agreements typically involve parties with a shared vision wherein mutual interest and benefit exists. A viable agreement usually requires joint contribution and accomplishment of the work. Partnership Agreements include: Participating Agreements, Challenge Cost-Share Agreements, Cost-Reimbursable Agreements, and Stewardship Agreements. Partners may also contribute funding to the Forest Service for specific projects or activities through the use of Collection Agreements. Other somewhat unique agreements are Fire, Law Enforcement, and Cooperative Road Agreements.

Grants and Cooperative Agreements are used when the principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer a thing of value to the State or local government or other recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government. Grants and Cooperative Agreements are considered Federal Financial Assistance and subject to the Office of Management and Budget Circulars.

Grants.gov was established as a governmental resource named the E-Grants Initiative, part of the President's 2002 Fiscal Year Management Agenda to improve government services to the public. Visit Grants.gov to obtain application and reporting forms, guidance, program information and other pertinent information. 

For more on regulations and necessary forms for your grant please visit www.whitehouse.gov