2026 Wood Innovations Grant Funding Opportunity

Notice of Funding Opportunity

NOTICE OF

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Instructions and Guidelines

Wood Innovations Grant Program

Fiscal Year 2026

Tentative Announcement: February 18, 2026

I. BASIC INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity

Announcement Type: Annual Grant Announcement/Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-WOOD INNOVATIONS-2026

Assistance Listing Number: 10.674—Wood Utilization Assistance

Funding:

• Estimated Total Program Funding: Up to $30 million for Wood Innovations from annual agency appropriations and the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA).

• Expected Number of Awards: Up to 100

• Individual Award Funding: Up to $300,000. The Agency reserves the right to award an applicant less than the funding requested based on funding availability and project eligibility.

Key Dates:

• Application Due Date: April 22, 2026

• Anticipated Award Date: June 2026

Agency Contact Information:

USDA Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations Coordinators are available for questions. Their contact information is provided at the following weblink: USDA Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations Coordinator Contacts. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their designated Coordinator to determine whether a project idea will be competitive, and to help develop proposals that conform to requirements and respond to grant program goals and objectives.

Executive Summary:

The Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity stimulates, expands, and supports U.S. wood products markets and wood energy markets to support the long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands. National focus areas include mass timber, renewable wood energy, and technological development that supports hazardous fuel reduction and sustainable forest management.

Past awarded projects include proposals that expand both traditional wood utilization and emerging markets, promote using domestically sourced wood as a construction material in commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings, and enhance wood energy markets. More information on past awarded projects can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation/grants.

Applicants must obtain a Grants.gov account and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to apply to this funding announcement.

II. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• Eligible Applicants

• For-profit entities

• State and local governments

• Indian tribes

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Higher education institutions

• Special purpose districts (e.g. public utilities districts, fire districts, school districts, conservation districts and ports)

• Available Funding

The maximum for each award is generally $300,000; however, the Forest Service may consider awarding up to $500,000 to a proposal that demonstrates the ability to have a significant and sizeable impact on wood product or energy markets – see exception below. Applicants must consult with regional contacts before requesting more than $300,000. Funding is provided as a cost reimbursement. All awards are based on funding availability. The Agency reserves the right to offer an applicant less than the funding requested.

Exception. Wood Innovations funding of up to $1,000,000 is available for a stationary wood energy system rated greater than 5 Megawatts in thermal output if it meets one of the following criteria:

• A thermal energy system that converts 50% or more of the input energy to useful thermal energy; or

• A thermally led combined heat and power system that produces electricity in addition to useful thermal energy. Thermally led means that the production of useful thermal energy determines the amount of electricity produced and the system must convert 50% or more of the input energy to useful energy (generated useful thermal energy and electricity).

• Applications submitted under this exception must include documentation regarding the thermal energy efficiency and conversion of the proposed system to determine whether a project meets the above criteria. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the USDA Wood Energy Technical Assistance Team for projects involving wood energy systems.

• Cost Sharing/Matching/Leveraging:

• Required Matching:

Applicants must contribute matching funds equal to at least 100% of the Forest Service requested funds. For example, if the requested Federal amount is $100,000, the applicant match must be at least $100,000 or more.

• Match Restrictions:

• Match must be met using eligible and allowable costs and is subject to match requirements in Federal regulations. Allowable expenses are those that are directly allocable to specific implementation of the proposed project and agreement. For information about Federal cost principles and related topics, see 2 CFR 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles.

• Applicant match may include cash or in-kind contributions. All matching funds must be directly related to the proposed project and must come from non-Federal sources

• Construction, mobile equipment, production expenses (including raw material costs) or labor for operation cannot be used as match under this funding opportunity.

• Match Commitment Requirements:

• Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations confirming the amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided, up to the minimum required match.

• Additional funds beyond the matching requirement can be shown as leverage. Letters of financial commitment are not required for leveraged funding.

• Note: Applicants who show a match beyond the required 1:1 match are legally obligated to meet the match amount listed in the grant. No points or preference are given to proposals matching beyond the required contribution.

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

• Funding Purpose:

The intent of the Wood Innovations funding opportunity is to stimulate, expand, and support U.S. wood products markets and wood energy markets to support the long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands.

• Funding Priorities:

Preference will be given to proposals that:

• Create or expand markets for wood and biomass generated by forest health and hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System and other U.S. forested lands.

• Support development of domestically sourced timber and U.S. manufacturing of mass timber and other wood products.

• Involve wood products or wood industry partners.

• Support commercial building markets or other markets that use innovative wood products.

• Demonstrate how the project will reduce land management costs.

• Bundle or address multiple wood energy or wood products projects.

• Commit to utilizing domestically sourced timber for mass timber construction projects.

This program supports agency priorities to reduce commodity loss to wildfire, increase timber production, retain American energy production, and expand rural economies in accordance with all laws and policies including:

• Executive Order (EO) 14223 “Addressing the Threat to National Security From Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products”

• EO 14225 “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production”

• EO 14154 “Unleashing American Energy”

• EO 14308 “Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention And Response”

• Secretarial Memos 1078-006 and 1078-011

• Forest Service Active Forest Management Strategy

• Program Goals and Objectives:

• Reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health on National Forest System and other forest lands.

• Reduce the costs of forest management on all land types.

• Promote economic and environmental health of communities.

• Unallowable Costs:

• Construction or improvements of buildings (facilities), land improvements, or site preparation are not allowed with federal or match funds.

• Labor for operation or production expenses are not allowed with federal or match funds. Labor for equipment installation is allowed.

• Equipment leasing or the purchase of mobile equipment and attachments for mobile equipment will not be funded in this program or allowed as match.

• Expenses for self-marketing or self-promotion are not allowed (e.g., company brochures, business cards, display materials, web sites, other electronic media, etc.).

• Purchasing ecosystem restoration byproducts or raw material feedstock are not allowed with federal or match funds.

• Federal involvement in the project activities is not allowed with federal or match funds.

• Program Citations:

The grants and agreements awarded under this announcement will support the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 Pub. L. 115-334 Sec. 8643, Rural Revitalization Technologies 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8113, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58 Div. J Title VI), and the nationwide challenge of disposing of hazardous fuels and other wood residues from the National Forest System and other U.S. forest lands in a manner that supports wood products and wood energy markets.

IV. OTHER INFORMATION

• Examples of Eligible Projects:

• Completing requirements, such as architectural and engineering designs, cost analyses, and permitting necessary for 1) commercial construction projects that use wood as a primary building material, and/or 2) wood energy project development to secure financing. Early phase project development proposals and feasibility studies will not be competitive.

• Establishing or increasing wood products manufacturing capacity and/or markets that support forest ecosystem restoration.

• Showcasing quantifiable environmental and economic benefits of using wood as a sustainable building material in a constructed commercial building to increase acceptance and encourage growth in the construction industry.

• Establishing or expanding statewide wood utilization teams or statewide wood energy teams. A map of current and previously funded statewide teams can be found here.

• Developing a cluster of wood energy projects in a geographic area or specific sector; or installing a wood energy system at a facility (e.g., prisons, hospitals, universities, manufacturing, or industrial sector) that will use forest woody biomass or forest products manufacturing residues.

• Overcoming market barriers and stimulating expansion of wood energy in the institutional, commercial, or industrial sectors.

• Purchase stationary wood energy equipment, sawmill equipment, or other wood products equipment to create markets to support forest management.

• Stationary wood energy systems rated greater than 5 Megawatts in thermal output.

• Additional Details:

• Applicants should be aware that the purchase of equipment greater than $10,000 with federal funds creates a federal interest in the equipment until the fair market value of the equipment falls below $10,000.

• Applicants are encouraged to use non-federal funding to purchase equipment and use federal financial assistance to cover other relevant project costs, which include but not limited to the engineering, design, transportation, and installation of the equipment.

• The successful applicant will be required to complete additional paperwork before and after receiving Forest Service funds for the equipment purchase and is subject to the regulations at 2 CFR § 200.310, 2 CFR § 200.313, and 2 CFR §200.316.

• Indirect Costs: Applicants may request reimbursement for indirect costs using their established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA, if applicable) or the de minimis rate of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) per 2 CFR § 200.414(f).

• MTDC are calculated as defined in 2 CFR 200.1 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”.

• If applying using a NICRA, a copy of the NICRA is required to be provided as an Appendix.

• Only entities with an established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) are eligible to use waived unrecovered Federal indirect costs as match.

• Applicants must provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.322.

• Proposals should align with Forest Service priorities and State Forest Action Plans.

• Applicants should consider applying to the Community Wood grant program for wood energy and/or innovative wood manufacturing projects with equipment requests above $300,000. The exception is for thermally led stationary wood energy systems that are rated greater than 5 Megawatts of thermal output – see exception above (Section II.A.) for additional information.

V. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

• Required Contents:

• Project Narrative consisting of the Application Form (FS-1500-0050) in Grants.gov AND attached appendices combined into one PDF file

• Required Federal Forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424A: Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

• Project Narrative Attachment Form (for submitting the above Project Narrative including FS-1500-0050 and appendices)

Applicants will submit the required application materials (items above) in Grants.gov. See Section VI. Submission Requirements and Deadlines for additional information and detailed instructions. Emailed, mailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted.

• Application Form (FS-1500-0050) Instructions and Guidance:

• Below are a set of instructions for filling out the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity application form (FS-1500-0050). Address each item under the Cooperator Contact Information on page 1 of the application form and under each subheading:

• Cooperator Contact Information

• Project Title

• Provide brief project title

• Project Cost & Cooperator Funding

• Indicate cooperator funding (amount of matching funds)

• Indicate requested Federal funding

• Indicate total project cost (cooperator funds + Federal funds)

• Contact Information

• Financial Agreement Contact: Provide contact information for the official responsible for financial administration of the project.

• Project Contact: Provide contact information for the official responsible for the management/coordination of the project.

• Basic Project Information

• Project Title

• Provide project title from Project Cooperator section (above).

• Project Length

• Indicate the project length. Typical award is for 2 or 3 years, projects of greater complexity may be awarded for a longer period, not to exceed 5 years.

• Project Abstract

• Provide a brief description of the project. If funded, the abstract will be posted on the Forest Service website and available to the public.

• Project Goals and Objectives

• Statement of need

• Describe succinctly why this project is needed

• Specific goals and objectives in bullet format

• Goals should identify the outcomes you want to achieve based on the statement of need. Objectives are the measurable steps needed to accomplish goals

• Describe how the proposed project responds to the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program goals and intent listed in Section III. Program Description

• Project Description

• Describe the specific project work activities or tasks that will be carried out to accomplish and meet the goals and objectives listed in Project Goals and Objectives.

• Describe the timeline for project activities. Describe how the budget aligns with these activities. This should be a brief statement of how you intend to spend money to carry out project activities.

• Describe how progress will be measured. Provide measurable outcomes.

• Describe industry involvement. Project should have some connection to forest products businesses, manufacturers, distributors, or end users of wood products or wood energy.

• Describe any subgrant or subcontracting activity.

• Describe communication and outreach activities. Explain how you will inform others of the experiences, successes, knowledge, etc. of your project so that your work can help grow markets to meet the intent and goals of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program.

• Project Impact

• List anticipated project outcomes, deliverables, and desired results (Outcomes should be specific, measurable, and align with project timeline).

• Describe magnitude of impact on wood products markets or wood energy markets, and job creation and retention (Include assumptions used to determine these impacts).

• Describe how much wood will be used as a result of the funding being requested. List the additional volume quantities (e.g. tons, board feet, or CCF) and whether any wood will be sourced from federal lands. Provide basic documentation on how the projected volumes were determined.

• Describe leveraged activities and/or leveraged funds above the minimum required match that maximize proposed project benefits or bring greater value to the goals of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program (Explain how you will use other funding or team sources to maximize project impact).

• Describe how the project will help the Forest Service meet the intent and goals of this grant, including details on how the project will expand wood products and wood energy markets.

• Describe how the project will address Administration priorities including relevant Executive Orders (EOs), Secretarial Memos, and Agency guidance (see Section III.B for a complete list).

• Qualifications of Teams and Partners

• List key personnel qualifications and role(s) in the project. Describe their capabilities, certifications, and experience on related projects that demonstrate your team has the appropriate skill set and experience for success.

• List any experience and performance of prior funded USDA Forest Service project(s). If appropriate, please include a short resume in the Appendix.

• Provide a brief background on the history and current operations of your business or organization (e.g. origination date, no. of employees, type of operation, and if applicable volume of wood processed annually)

• Annual Progress Reports and Final Reports

• Describe planned reports, documents, and success stories that will be provided during and at the end of the project for posting on the Wood Innovations website. Note: Progress Reports are required as frequently as quarterly. The reports provide an overview of accomplishments of the goals and objectives listed in the approved project narrative, success stories, and documentation of media events or activities generated by the award.

• Budget Tables and Justification in Support of the SF-424

• The Project Budget Table and Justifications are required in the application form. The budget tables should support the Project Description and mirror data entered in the required financial form SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs). Justification must be provided for both requested Forest Service funds and Cooperator match funding.

• Required Appendices:

• Appendices must be attached to the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity Application Form (FS-1500-0050) and combined into one PDF file.

• Letters of support from partners, individuals, or organizations, especially those playing a key role or providing matching funds, including Forest Service units if National Forest System lands will directly benefit from the project. Letters of support should display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different entities engaged in the project.

• Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations confirming the amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided, up to the minimum required match

• List of all other funds (Federal, State, private) received for this project and closely related projects within the last 5 years (include agency, program name, and dollar amount).

• Short resume or curriculum vitae for key team members.

• If applicable, a copy of organization’s approved NICRA is required if requesting indirect costs

• For wood energy projects over 5 Megawatts in thermal output, include documentation regarding the energy efficiency and conversion of the proposed wood energy system.

• Optional Appendices

• Feasibility Assessments.

• Woody Biomass Resource Supply Assessment (recommended for larger wood energy proposals)

• Quotes for equipment, professional engineering or design services and rationale for selection of contractor, if already selected.

• Miscellaneous items, such as schematics, engineering designs, or executive summaries of reports.

• Include 1 – 3 photos that best tell the story of your project. Please include a caption for each photo that explains what is shown or happening in the photo. Only include photos that can be used for press releases, public websites, or mass communications if awarded.

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

A. Accessing the Application Package and Materials

Application materials, including required forms and a copy of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, can be accessed at www.grants.gov. Click on the “Search Grants” tab and enter the Funding Opportunity number or Assistance Listing number below and click the search button.

• Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-WOOD INNOVATIONS-2026

• Assistance Listing: 10.674

B. System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

• Each applicant must register in SAM.gov before applying – An active SAM registration is required prior to starting the application process. This process can take some time so early registration is highly recommended.

• The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is a government-wide registry for organizations doing business with the Federal government. There is no fee for registering with SAM.gov.

• Applicants must maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during the application period and while the Federal award is active.

• The entity name and business address registered in SAM must exactly match the applicant’s name and address provided on the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity application and the SF-424 form.

• Individuals may be exempt from acquiring a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), SAM.gov registration, or both in accordance with 2 CFR 25.110(b).

• Helpful resources:

• SAM.gov new registration: https://sam.gov/entity-registration

• SAM.gov self-help: https://sam.gov/help

• SAM entity registration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJju__0bNCY&t=63s

• For further assistance with SAM registration, contact an APEX Accelerator organization near you: https://www.apexaccelerators.us

C. Submission Instructions

• Applicants must apply for this funding opportunity at www.grants.gov. No emailed, mailed, or faxed applications will be accepted.

• An online Grants.gov account is required to view, create and submit a grant application package. The point of contact for an application will need to create an account using the same email address as used in the SAM.gov registration.

• An applicant’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained during the SAM registration must be added to their Grants.gov profile

• Apply by using the Workspace function in Grants.gov. Workspace is the standard way for organizations or individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. Workspace allows a grant team to simultaneously access and edit different forms within an application.

• Note that the Wood Innovations Application Form (FS-1500-0050) with the attached appendices must be uploaded as an attachment under the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” in the Grants.gov Workspace.

• Helpful resources:

• Grants.gov Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs

• For assistance related to Grants.gov registration and accessing the forms, please contact the Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

D. Submission Dates and Times

• Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), Wednesday, April 22, 2026 with NO EXCEPTIONS.

• Intergovernmental Review

• This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

VII. APPLICATION REVIEW

• Responsiveness Review

• Incomplete submissions will disqualify an application from the review process. Late or emailed, faxed, or mailed proposals will not be accepted.

• Evaluation Criteria:

Each proposal will be evaluated based on its ability to meet the following criteria. Each proposal can earn a maximum of 100 total points.

• Project Goals and Objectives (15 points total)

• Alignment with the Wood Innovations Grant program goals, funding priorities, and intent (15 points)

• Project Description (35 points total)

• Project is well defined, timeline is reasonable, and steps required for project completion are clear. (30 points)

• Reporting requirements addressed. (5 points)

• Project Impact (35 points total)

• Clear and reasonable deliverables and outcomes given funds requested. (15points)

• Extent and significance of impact. Impacts are well defined and must include a realistic presentation of impacts (including assumptions) on forest health and wood products or wood energy markets. (20 points)

• Qualifications of Staff, Organization, and Partners (15 points)

• Team member(s) qualifications, experience and past performance are relevant to the project. (15 points)

• Review and Selection Process

• Proposals will initially be evaluated based on whether they meet the program intent and the program requirements as identified in the “Review Criteria” section of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Proposals which do not meet program requirements will not be included in the national review process.

• The national review process includes:

• Review and prioritization by Forest Service regional leadership

• Evaluation scoring by the national technical review panel based on the evaluation criteria described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity

• Review and prioritization by national Forest Service and program leadership

• Responses and feedback from the national review process will be considered when selecting projects for award.

• In addition, the Forest Service may consider performance and status of previous or ongoing Wood Innovations grants and other Federal grants and awards in making awards under this program and authority.

• The Agency also reserves the right to consider Wood Innovations Grant proposals for other Wood Innovations funding programs after the application deadline.

• Risk Review

• Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal agency is required to review eligibility information for applicants and financial integrity information for applicants available in OMB-designated databases per the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-117), the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354), and 41 U.S.C. 2313.

• Before making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the Federal agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

• Applicants can review and comment on any information in the responsibility and qualification records available in SAM.gov. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR § 200.206 the Federal agency will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

• The Forest Service will also consider the following items when evaluating project risk:

• Financial stability. The applicant's record of effectively managing financial risks, assets, and resources.

• Management systems and standards. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in this part.

• History of performance. The applicant's record of managing previous and current Federal awards, including compliance with reporting requirements and conformance to the terms and conditions of Federal awards, if applicable.

• Audit reports and findings. Reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F or the reports and findings of any other available audits, if applicable; and

• Ability to effectively implement requirements. The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of Federal awards.

VIII. AWARD NOTICES

• Award of Funding Notice: Award announcements expected in June 2026. All applicants will be notified via email about the success of their application. Successful applicants will receive notification from the Forest Service.

• The notification of award is not an authorization to begin project performance. The completed Federal award documentation is the authorizing document.

• If pre-award costs are allowed, approval will be provided by Forest Service program staff, but beginning performance is done at the applicant’s own risk.

• Project costs and expenses incurred prior to the award announcement date will not be reimbursable with Forest Service funds and is not eligible for consideration as match.

• Awarded applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration before announcement and finalizing award agreements.

• Recipients and subrecipients of Forest Service Federal financial assistance must comply with the Forest Service and USDA General Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these terms and conditions. Additional agency and/or program conditions may also be included in awards.

IX. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

• Progress and Financial Reports

• Quarterly or semi-annual interim financial reports (Form SF-425) and progress reports are required for awarded projects. Submission instructions and templates for submitting these reports will be provided as part of the execution of the grant agreement.

• In addition to project accomplishments, progress reports must include the following quantified information as it occurs, if as applicable. For any information that is not available/applicable, progress reports should note why such information is not available/applicable.

• Increase in production or processing capacity, product recovery, product value added, increase in timber utilization, and/or other production improvements.

• Impact to markets for wood raw materials.

• Increase in utilization and adoption of wood products.

• Increase in energy production and/or energy cost savings.

• Jobs retained or created.

• List and patents resulting from projects, if applicable.

• Additional reporting requirements are included in 2 CFR § 180.335, 180.350, and Appendix XII.

X. OTHER INFORMATION

• Confidentiality:

• Materials submitted to the Forest Service, such as funded grant applications and progress reports, are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Upon request, the Forest Service may be obligated to disclose such records. However, documents or portions of documents will be protected if they satisfy the requirements of one or more FOIA exemptions.

• FOIA Exemption 4 protects commercial and financial information that constitutes a trade secret, or whose release would cause competitive harm to the organization that provided the information.

• FOIA Exemption 6 protects information whose release “would reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

In the event that the Forest Service receives a FOIA request seeking information provided by your organization, Executive Order 12600 requires the Forest Service to consult with you regarding the potential release of this information. When assembling your application, you may wish to highlight any information that constitutes a trade secret, whose release would cause you competitive harm, or whose release would impact personal privacy. For more information about the FOIA and its exemptions, please consult the Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act.

• Contacts for Assistance:

• SAM.gov entity registration:

• SAM Help Desk https://sam.gov/help

• SAM assistance for Federal applicants (APEX Accelerators): https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/service-area-locator

• Grants.gov registration and functions:

• All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Applicant Support. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

• For questions related to the Application content development process and Wood Innovations Grant program goals:

• Wood Innovations Coordinators by state: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation-contacts

• Wood Innovations Program website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation.

• Past Wood Innovations Grant awarded projects: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation/grants

• Program email: sm.fs.wood.innovations@usda.gov

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Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity Application

WOOD INNOVATIONS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Reference Public Law 11 5-334 Se c. 9013, 117-58 Div. J. Title VI, 117-169
FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
OMB #: 0596-0256
Sec. 23002, and 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8112
OMB Exp. Date: 06/30/2027
Cover Page for P art 1: Cooperator Co ntact Information
Ensure that your organization is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), which
is located at https://sam.gov/. DO NOT go through a third party that may charge for registration.
There is no charge for registering at SAM.gov. This process may take time, so please register
immediately.
1. Project Title:
2. Project Type (choose one): Wood Products Wood Energy
3. Project Cost & Cooperator Funding
A. Cooperator Funding (Amount of matching funds):
B. Requested Forest Service Funding:
C. Cooperator Funding as a Percentage of Requested Forest Service Funding (A÷B x 100):
D. Total Project Cost (A + B):
4. Contact Information
Financial Agreement Applicant (Responsible official for the financial administration of the project)
Name: Title:
Organization/Company :
Street Address/P.O.
Box: City, Stat e Zip:
Phone:
E-mail Address:
Project Contact (Responsible for management/coordination of project) If
lis ted above, check box
Name: Title:
Organization/Company:
Street Address/P.O.
Box: City, State Zip:
Phone: E-mail Address:
File Code: 1580 For technical questions and Section 508 ac commodation, please contact SM .FS.fseforms@usda.gov Page 1 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
Part 1: Narrative, including Budget Tables and Justification
A. Basic Project Information
Project Title:
Project Length: Typical award is for 2-3 years (projects of
greater complexity may be awarded for a longer period, not to exceed 5 years).
Project Abstract: Provide a brief description of the project. If funded, the abstract will be
posted on the Wood Innovations website. Be concise and clear. (This field accommodates up
to 1,625 characters and spaces.)
File Code: 1580 Page 2 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
B. Project Goals and Objectiv es (This field accommodates u p to 5,000 chara cters with spaces.)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
File Code: 1580 Page 3 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
C. Project Descriptio n (This field accommodates up to 5, 000 charac ters with spaces.)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
File Code: 158 0 Page 4 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
D. Project Impac t (This field accommodates up to 5,000 charact ers w ith spaces.)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
File Code: 1580 Page 5 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
E. Qualifications o f Team and Partn ers (This field accommodates u p to 5 ,000 chara cters with spaces.)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
File Code: 1580 Page 6 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
F. Annual Progress Reports and Final Rep orts (This field accommodates up to 5,000 cha racters with
spaces.)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
File Code: 1580 Page 7 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
G. Budge t Table s and Justification in Support of SF–424A
Please complete the following two budget tables. Th e budget should support th e narrative
statements and reflect projected costs. Address proposed expenditures in relation to the
proposed project de scription. Include cash and in- kind match, other Fe deral funds, and st aff time
that may help ac complish the project.
Applicants must contribu te at lea st 100% of the Fo rest Service requested funds. For every
$1 of Federal funding requested, applicants must provide at least $1 in match. For example, if the
requested Federal amount is $100,000, the applicant match must be at least $100,000. The
applicant’s match must come from non-Federal sources. The match may include cash or in-kind
contributions. All matching funds must be directly related to the proposed project.
Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations confirming the
amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided, up to the minimum required match. The
match needs to be provided within the agreement timeframe.
Note: Applicants should be aware that the purchase of equipment with Forest Service funds
createsa federal interest in the equipment. The successful applicant will be required to
complete additional paperwork before and after receiving Forest Service funds for the purchase
and is subject to the regulations at 2 CFR § 200.310, 200.313, and 200.316. These 2 CFR § 200
regulations are availa ble at: eC FR :: 2 CFR Part 200 --Uniform Ad ministrative Require ments,
Co s t Principles, and Audi tR equirements for Federal Awards
The purchase of equipment with cooperator matching funds does notcreate a federal
interest in the equipment.
Projects must provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods,
product s, or materials produced in the United States pursuant to 2 C FR § 200.322.
Instructions for the Budge t Table:
• Lines 1-8: Enter the dollar amount for each item.
• Line 4: Only stationary equipment is eligible for Forest Service grant funds.
• Line 9: Sum of 1 – 8.
• Line 10: Costs not directly attributable to accomplishing the project, such a s overhea d
or indirect costs.
• Line 11: Sum of 9 and 10.
• Line 12: Use the total in Line 11, Column III to determine the percentage of each
share.
File Code: 1580 Page 8 o f 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 04/2025)
Category8. Other: Any costs under this category must be itemized with a description and an estimated
cost. (This field accommodates up to 1,625characters and spaces.)
FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
1. Budget Table
Categories I.Forest Service II.Cooperator’s III.Total
Share Share
1.Personnel
2.Fringe benefits
3.Travel
4.Equipment
5.Supplies/Materials
6.Contractual (identify below)
7.Construction N/A N/A N/A
8.Other (identify below)
9.Direct charges
10.Indirect charges
11.Total
12.Percentage of Total
2. Cooperator (Matching) Contributions Table
Instructions for the Cooperator Contributions Table. Identify the value of matching contributions to
satisfy the minimum, which must equal at least 100% of the Forest Service requested funds.
Please value in-kind contributions and materials at reasonable and acceptable rates.
Cooperator Name Cash Materials In-Kind Services Total
Totals
File Code: 1580 Page 9 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
Please provide more specific details on how Forest Service funding and Cooperator match
fundng will be used for each of the following budget categories:
Category 1. Personnel (2 CFR § 200.430): This is the actual estimated salary cost paid and may
or may not include fringe benefits. Show job titles or positions and estimated days or hours and the
estimated cost per day or hour. (This field accommodates up to 4,700 characters and spaces.)
File Code: 1580 Page 10 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
Category 2. Fringe Benefit s: Fringe is gene rally expressed as a perce ntage of the salary cost.
Provide the rate a nd total estima ted cost. (This field accommod ates up to 1,625 characters a nd spaces.)
Category 3. Trave l: Sho w anticipated trips, number of travele rs, locatio ns, and an estimated
cost per trip. (This field accommodates up to 1,625 characters a nd spaces.)
File Code: 1580 Page 11 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
Category 4. Equipmen t: Identify all equipment being fund ed. Prov ide any documentatio n of equipm ent
costs in Appendices . Both Forest Service a nd Coo perator Share can only be for station ary not mo bile
equipment. (Th is fiel d acco mmodates up to 5,000 characters and spaces.)
File Code: 1580 Page 12 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 0 3/2026)
Category 5. Supplies/Materials: Provide an estimate of the supplies and materials tha t may b e
purchased for the project. (This field accommodates u p to 5,00 0 characters and space s.)
File Code: 1580 Page 13 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
Category 6. Contractual: List out any estimated costs with a description of work for each
anticipated contract or subaward. (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters and spaces.)
Category 7: Construction: Construction will not be funded or considered as eligible match under this
funding opportunity.
File Code: 1580 Page 14 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
Category 8. Other: Any costs under this category must be itemized with a description and an
estimated cost. (This field accommodates up to 1,625 characters and spaces.)
File Code: 1580 Page 15 of 16

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 03/2026)
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, an information collection request unless it displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection
request is 0596-0256. Response to this information collection request is mandatory to obtain or retain
benefits. The authority for this information collection request is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(Pub. Law 117-58). The time required to complete this information collection request is estimated to average 3
hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, collecting
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the information collection request. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection request, including
suggestions for reducing the burden, to USDA Forest Service Information Collections Officer,
SM.FS.InfoCollect@usda.gov, with OMB control number 0596-0256 in the subject line.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations
and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering
USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by
USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or
incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille,
large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that
administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and
TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,
AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a
letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a
copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. S. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442 or (3) email
program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
File Code: 1580 For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact SM.FS.fseforms@usda.gov Page 16 of 16