The Harwood Foundation is interested in promoting projects in two areas. It wants to encourage development of a commercially-responsible sustainable forestry industry and promote the quality of life of communities economically-based on natural resources. Specifically, the Foundation will fund projects that 1) promote the successful resolution of obstacles to the implementation of sustainable forestry, 2) educate the public about the social and economic merits of sustainable forestry practices, and 3) enrich the lives of community residents dependent on renewable resources.

The Foundation supports two categories of grants. Awards in the area of forestry are given to recipients who show how their proposed project will fundamentally contribute to the development of a sustainable forestry industry. Proposals are judged on how well the project outcome will influence economic, environmental, institutional, or consumer actions to nurture sustainable forestry as a viable alternative to current forestry practices.

Grants are generally unrestricted and can be applied to general/operating support, continuing support, land acquisition, program development, matching funds, seed money, building/renovation, equipment and technical assistance. Past grants have ranged between $5,000 and $200 with an average award of $2,000. Although the Foundation focuses mainly on proposals from Northern California, grants are sometimes given to projects of exceptional merit from other parts of the world.

The second category of grants is for projects intended to improve the quality of life of communities economically-based on renewable resources. While there are no restrictions on the use of grants, funds are usually given for small projects of short duration. Historically, grants in this area range between $2,400 and $25 with an average amount of $220. Funded proposals are limited to Northern California where employees of Harwood Products Inc. live.

Other than the grant limitations stated above, there are no restrictions on who can submit proposals.

You may find that the goals of your proposed project do not mesh with the Foundation's fields of interest. Below, we offer linkages to other foundations who previously have funded projects in sustainable forestry. Perhaps their funding interests are more in line with your needs. Good luck.

Please let us know of other   foundations   who support sustainable forestry projects.