How to Apply

There are two opportunities to apply to NBRC's competitive programs each year; in the spring and fall. Each program requires a pre-application, which is submitted through a Grants Management System (GMS) and reviewed by NBRC and member states.

Those interested in applying to the Catalyst, Forest Economy, or Timber for Transit programs should review the following steps to confirm eligibility, determine program and economic relevance for their project, and get in touch with a State Program Manager.

Project eligibility is determined based on location and applicant type.

Location Eligibility

If your project is located within the state(s) of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or New York, then it may be eligible for NBRC funding. To confirm your project is located within our service area, please visit the Project Eligibility and Match Determination page for a full list of eligible counties and communities within our four member states.

Eligible Applicants:

State government (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont only)
Local governments (village, town, city and county)
Secondary and career technical centers
Other political subdivisions of States (regional planning commissions, authorities of the state)
Non-profit entities (see Program Manual for additional details)
Indian Tribes (federally recognized Indian tribes, see Program Manual for additional details)

For-profit entities, LLCs and other entities that are not a 501(c) are not eligible to apply for program funding.

Projects need to be relevant to both NBRC program funding priorities as well as the economic development goals of the region and/or member state the project is located in.

Which NBRC program is right for your project?

This pre-recorded series reviews the focus areas for the Catalyst Program, Forest Economy Program, and the Timber for Transit Program along with eligibility details, timeline and other information necessary for selecting the program that is right for your project.

View the Full Series

State Economic Development Strategies (Catalyst)

Preference will be given to proposals that support state economic development goals:

Local Forest Economy Initiatives (FEP)

Projects must be consistent with the Program investment priorities of the Forest Economy Program, and where applicable, advance local forest economy initiatives, including but not limited to the following:

Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/Maine)
Maine Tech Hub
New Hampshire Forest Action Plan (with special attention to the goals and strategies listed under Focus Area – Forest Based Economy, starting on page 149)
Vermont Forest Future Strategic Roadmap
New York State Forest Action Plan (with special attention to the focus areas and strategies within Goal #3: Increase Forest Benefits for Humans and All Living Creatures)

A pre-application is required to apply for all competitive NBRC programs and must be submitted through the Grants Management System (GMS). Resources for registering your organization in the GMS, as well as creating and submitting a pre-application, can be found in Applicant Resources.

Projects that are approved to move to the second phase will receive an invitation to apply.

Maine

New Hampshire

New York

Vermont

Forest Economy and Timber for Transit applicants must submit their Project Interest Form to the NBRC Program Manager, Marina Caceres, in addition to their State Program Manager.

Projects that are approved to move to the second phase will receive an invitation to submit a full application.

Related Content:

1. Confirm Eligibility

2. Determine Program and Economic Relevance

Which NBRC program is right for your project?

State Economic Development Strategies (Catalyst)

Local Forest Economy Initiatives (FEP)

3. Contact Your State Program Manager

4. Submit a Pre-Application