What The National Forest Foundation does

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990 and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, that operates as the congressionally-chartered nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Its mission is to raise and deploy private and federal funding for the conservation, restoration, and recreational enhancement of the 193 million acres of U.S. National Forests and Grasslands, organized around three programmatic pillars: wildfire resilience, land and watershed restoration, and recreation enhancement. Core technical capabilities include native-tree reforestation (with 50.4 million trees planted across 81 forests in 31 states since 2018), low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) using beaver dam analogs and nature-based stream repair, and recreation infrastructure projects such as trail and boardwalk rebuilds (e.g., the $4.7 million Hanging Lake Trail restoration completed in June 2026).

NFF generates revenue through four principal streams: individual donations and bequests, multi-tier corporate partnerships (Polaris, Vail Resorts, Edison International, Ford, Niagara Cares, Xcel Energy, REI Co-op, among others), federal and foundation grant programs that it both receives and regrants (Matching Awards Program, Collaborative Capacity Program, Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants, and a $20.7M USDA award in October 2024), and premium fundraising events (Horizons by NFF at $10,500–$12,500 and Sporting Clays Classic sponsorships from $5,000 to $50,000). The organization also operates an emerging Conservation Finance Program that includes the Forest Resilience Bond (developed with Blue Forest Conservation and implemented on Tahoe National Forest) and a first-of-its-kind In-Lieu-Fee compensatory wetlands mitigation program for National Forests.

The go-to-market is a community-led, multi-channel approach: digital content marketing and email (Tree-Mail, Light & Seed Magazine published biannually), signature events, public campaigns (Going Public 2026, National Forest Week), and direct corporate and government relationship management. As a congressionally-chartered entity, NFF's distinctive model is to hire contractors and execute on-the-ground work rather than purely grant funds, supported by quantified outcomes (trees planted, acres restored, trail miles completed) used as measurable deliverables for corporate ESG reporting and federal contract compliance.

Name

The National Forest Foundation

Legal name

National Forest Foundation

Website

https://nationalforests.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The National Forest Foundation is a congressionally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and official partner of the U.S. Forest Service that raises and deploys private and federal funding to reforest, restore, and rebuild recreation infrastructure across 193 million acres of U.S. National Forests.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forest Conservation and Environmental Restoration Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (11531), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Replanting, Infilling & Stand Rehabilitation (AFAMACAI), Forest Ecosystem Services & Carbon/Conservation Programs (AFAMAAAJ), Forest Carbon Projects & Ecosystem Services (Carbon Credits, Biodiversity) (IMAMAAAJ)

Keywords

• Forest conservation
• Wildfire resilience
• Watershed restoration
• Reforestation programs
• Recreation enhancement

Headquarters

HQ city

Missoula

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute to NFF through general donations, tree planting donations, and legacy/bequest giving. The organization accepts stock donations, Donor Advised Fund contributions, and IRA transfers for supporters 70.5+ years old.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Companies partner with NFF at various tiers (Visionary, Legacy, Summit, Sustaining, Canopy) providing funding for specific conservation projects in exchange for brand visibility and measurable environmental impact.
3. Grant Programs: NFF provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and universities through programs like Matching Awards Program and Collaborative Capacity Program, sourced from federal appropriations and private contributions.
4. Event Sponsorships: Premium events including Horizons by NFF (luxury retreat at $10,500-$12,500) and Sporting Clays Classic (sponsorships from $5,000 to $50,000) generate revenue while building relationships with major donors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The National Forest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises private funds and executes on-the-ground conservation work across U.S. National Forests through three core programs: Wildfire Resilience (landscape-scale fuel treatments and community risk reduction), Land & Watershed Restoration (reforestation of native trees, stream and wetland repair using Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration), and Recreation Enhancement (trail rebuilding and recreation infrastructure). It also administers competitive grant programs for nonprofit and tribal grantees and runs corporate partnership tiers that channel private donations into measurable restoration outcomes.

Product overview

The National Forest Foundation operates a multi-program conservation platform organized around three core pillars: Wildfire Resilience (hazardous fuels reduction, community risk reduction, cross-boundary partnerships), Land & Watershed Restoration (reforestation, stream repair, habitat restoration), and Recreation Enhancement (trail and infrastructure rebuilding, youth engagement, rural economy support). The organization administers grant programs including the Matching Awards Program, Collaborative Capacity Program, and Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants. Supplementary offerings include the Conservation Finance Program (environmental markets, wetland credits, carbon benefits), Community Convening Services (facilitation and partnership building), Sapling Program (small business partnerships), Conservation Connect Fellowships, Tree-Mail Newsletter, Light & Seed Magazine, and signature events Horizons by NFF and Sporting Clays Classic. The Explore Projects Platform allows public discovery of active projects across U.S. National Forests.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wildfire Resilience Program Landscape-wide fuel treatments and community risk reduction work to make forests and surrounding communities more able to withstand wildfire, executed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and local partners on National Forests.
• Reforestation Program The largest reforestation effort on National Forests, planting millions of native trees annually and supporting seed collection and nursery capacity to sustain long-term forest recovery.
• Land & Watershed Restoration Program Repair of degraded streams, floodplains, and wetlands using Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration techniques such as beaver dam analogs, replanting native trees, and restoring habitat to ensure reliable clean water sources.
• Recreation Enhancement Program Rebuilding and improvement of trail, campground, and signage infrastructure on National Forests, engagement of youth in outdoor experiences, and support for rural outdoor tourism economies.
• Conservation Finance Program Program developing environmental market instruments including the Forest Resilience Bond (aggregated capital from state, water authority, US Forest Service, and NFF) and a first-of-its-kind In-Lieu-Fee Program for Compensatory Wetlands Mitigation to expand restoration funding on National Forests.
• Corporate Partnership Program Tiered (Visionary, Legacy, Summit, Sustaining, Canopy) corporate partnership program that channels company funding into specific conservation projects in exchange for brand visibility and measurable environmental impact.
• Matching Awards Program Twice-yearly grant program supporting community engagement and stewardship activities that connect people to National Forests, awarded to nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and universities.
• Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities Grant program building collaborative capacity for forest stewardship, supporting nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, local government entities, and colleges/universities working on National Forest landscapes.
• Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants Grant program created by Polaris with a $5 million commitment to provide annual funding (over $113,000 in 2025) for trail restoration, reforestation, signage, bridge repairs, and safety improvements across U.S. national forests.
• Sapling Program Small business partnership program offering tree planting partnerships at lower investment levels than full corporate partnerships, enabling small businesses to demonstrate environmental commitment.
• Community Convening Services Facilitation, partnership building, strategic planning, and capacity building services creating spaces for stakeholders to solve forest stewardship problems together.
• Conservation Connect Fellowships Fellowship program building experience, knowledge, and skills within the next generation of collaborative and conservation leaders.
• Tree-Mail Newsletter Email newsletter providing trip planning, iconic destinations, personal stories, and forest updates delivered to NFF subscribers.
• Light & Seed Magazine Biannual publication of the National Forest Foundation connecting readers to U.S. National Forest System lands, available through an annual donation of $25 or more.
• Horizons by NFF Annual premium donor retreat at Mayflower Inn & Spa featuring outdoor adventure, behind-the-scenes access to the NFF mission, and networking with conservation supporters and U.S. Forest Service leadership.
• Sporting Clays Classic Annual signature fundraising event held during America250 that brings together conservation leaders, business leaders, and philanthropists for a shooting event and donor cultivation.
• Explore Projects Platform Online directory of NFF's active conservation projects nationwide, organized by program type (Wildfire Resilience, Land & Watershed Restoration, Recreation Enhancement) and region, allowing public discovery of on-the-ground work.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7 million trees planted in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core, legacy and summit.

• MetLife Pet InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2026Launching Memorial Tree Program in June 2026 that will plant a tree in a U.S. National Forest for every insured pet that passes away, honoring pets as family members and supporting grieving pet parents.
• United By Nature / Nature Is NonpartisanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 March 2026NFF is a partner in the 'Going Public' campaign that rallies Americans to protect national parks, forests, and public lands. Optional purchases fund restoration through NFF and other partner organizations.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Partnering to rebuild Poplar Boat Launch on Nolichucky River in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene damage. Construction expected to begin January 2026 with spring 2026 opening.
• Polaris Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2025Polaris has worked with NFF for over a decade on trail restoration, reforestation, and charitable product donations. In 2021, Polaris committed $5 million to create the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation, providing lasting support to stewardship projects nationwide. In 2025, recipients received over $113,000 in grants for trail restoration, signage, bridge repairs, and safety improvements.
• Vail ResortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading member of NFF's Ski Conservation Fund and lead private partner in the Hayman Restoration Partnership. Supporting lynx habitat improvement projects on the White River National Forest. With properties intertwined with Colorado and its natural heritage, Vail Resorts is committed to conservation of mountain environments.
• Edison InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest utility companies in the U.S., supporting NFF's Treasured Landscapes campaign through efforts on the Angeles National Forests and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Additional support benefits Southern California National Forests through watershed and habitat protection.
• Ford Motor Company (Bronco Wild Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFord's Bronco Wild Fund was created to promote responsible enjoyment of the great outdoors, plant one million trees, and provide access to and encourage preservation of public lands. Working with NFF on forest resiliency, access improvements, and stewardship promotion across National Forests.
• Niagara CarescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilanthropy of Niagara Bottling, LLC committed to watershed health programs protecting water as a vital resource. Partnership focuses on New Mexico tributaries feeding into the Rio Grande River, demonstrating commitment to water conservation across generations.
• TC EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTC Energy's Build Strong program invests in organizations vital to communities and business. Supports local events and provides grants to organizations that help build strong, vibrant communities through mutually beneficial relationships.
• THOR IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest RV manufacturer with brands including Airstream, Jayco, Keystone. Both THOR and NFF encourage public lands enjoyment and outdoor experiences, believing RVing connects families with the outdoors and each other.
• CaudalielegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate cosmetics company based in Paris with deep commitment to green principles. Initial investment resulted in planting one million trees between 2015-2018 with an additional million trees by 2021, demonstrating commitment to giving back to the Earth.
• Xcel EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading partner in statewide forest health and resilience efforts in Colorado, supporting proactive mitigation that reduces wildfire risk, enhances infrastructure safety and reliability, and improves forest and watershed health.
• Liberty UtilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NFF and USFS to reduce wildfire risk along powerline corridors in the Tahoe Basin. Liberty Utilities Resilience Corridor Project has treated nearly 300 acres with treatments on 800 more acres planned or in progress.
• REI Co-opsummitStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoor retailer supporting NFF through the REI Cooperative Action Fund, contributing to conservation and stewardship projects that protect outdoor recreation access and natural landscapes.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary federal partner; NFF is the congressionally-chartered nonprofit partner of the Forest Service. Partnership spans all 193 million acres of National Forests, restoring trails, protecting watersheds, and building wildfire resilience.
• City of Glenwood SpringsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership for Hanging Lake Trail restoration in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, working alongside U.S. Forest Service, NFF, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado.
• Great Outdoors ColoradominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner providing partial funding for Hanging Lake Trail restoration alongside other collaborators including U.S. Forest Service, NFF, City of Glenwood Springs, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
• International Mountain Bicycling AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with Lincoln National Forest on post-fire restoration following 2024 South Fork, Blue 2, and Salt Fires in southern New Mexico, supporting trail evaluations and recovery actions.
• Lincoln County (New Mexico)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner in Lincoln National Forest restoration following 2024 fires, implementing hazard tree mitigation, cultural resource surveys, and watershed assessments.
• U.S. Endowment for Forestry and CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-managing the Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) program with U.S. Forest Service, supporting development and implementation of innovative finance models leveraging private and public capital.
• Blue Forest ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloper of the Forest Resilience Bond, implemented by NFF on Tahoe National Forest. Combines funding from State of California, Yuba Water Authority, US Forest Service, and NFF to complete forest restoration projects.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSFS participates in Horizons by NFF events alongside NFF leadership, providing exclusive programming and behind-the-scenes access to the mission for major donors and conservation supporters.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy: The largest global conservation nonprofit, operating across land, water, and climate programs. Comparable as a peer environmental nonprofit pursuing corporate partnerships, federal collaboration, and large-scale land restoration, but with a much broader geographic and programmatic footprint than NFF's National Forest focus.
• National Audubon Society: Major national environmental nonprofit with membership-based fundraising, corporate partnerships, and habitat restoration programs. Comparable as a peer conservation nonprofit competing for similar individual and corporate donor segments, though focused on birds and broader habitat conservation.
• Sierra Club Foundation: National environmental nonprofit and foundation supporting conservation, advocacy, and outdoor recreation programs. Comparable as a peer conservation nonprofit with grantmaking, individual donor base, and corporate partnerships, though primarily advocacy-oriented rather than direct on-the-ground restoration.
• Conservation International: Global environmental nonprofit working on biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development with corporate and government partnerships. Comparable as a peer conservation nonprofit pursuing innovative finance and corporate ESG engagement, though operating internationally rather than on U.S. National Forests specifically.
• Ducks Unlimited: Large U.S. nonprofit focused on wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation with a strong federal agency partnership model (USFWS) and significant corporate sponsorship programs. Comparable in scale, federal partnership structure, and major-donor event fundraising, though with a narrower habitat focus.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit focused on land conservation, parks creation, and conservation finance. Comparable as a peer conservation nonprofit that uses innovative finance, public-private partnerships, and federal collaboration, though TPL operates more broadly across urban parks and private land transactions.

Direct peers

• American Forests: National nonprofit focused on reforestation and forest conservation, running Tree Equity Score and corporate tree-planting partnerships. Directly comparable as a forest-focused conservation nonprofit competing for corporate ESG dollars and reforestation funding, though NFF has the unique USFS charter.
• Arbor Day Foundation: National tree-planting nonprofit that runs large-scale reforestation campaigns, membership programs, and corporate partnerships. Comparable peer in mission, donor model, and tree-planting scale, with overlapping corporate sponsorships (e.g., Caudalie-style tree-planting partnerships).

Emerging players

• Trout Unlimited: Coldwater conservation nonprofit with significant federal partnership, corporate sponsorship, and on-the-ground restoration work. Comparable as a peer conservation nonprofit with similar revenue streams (membership, corporate, grants), but smaller in scale and more narrowly focused on trout habitat.
• Blue Forest Conservation: Mission-driven organization that developed the Forest Resilience Bond model that NFF implements on Tahoe National Forest. A close partner and emerging peer in conservation finance innovation, with comparable focus on aggregating multi-source capital for forest restoration at scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/natlforests
• Facebookfacebook.com/nationalforestfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-forest-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationalforests
• Xx.com/nationalforests

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The National Forest Foundation