(Atlanta, GA) — The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network today announces the launch of its $1 million Forestry Fund, an initiative designed to decrease financial roadblocks for established foresters within the SFLR Network. This transformative program seeks to support African American and underserved landowners across the Southeast through funding, resources, and support, addressing barriers to wealth generation and land stewardship.
Through its partnership with the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and other funders, The SFLR Network Forestry Fund will provide financial support for sustainable practices such as forest management plans, boundary surveys, and wildlife habitat restoration. It will also address critical legal challenges that hinder forestry efforts. By connecting landowners to lucrative timber and non-timber markets, the fund opens doors to new economic opportunities while strengthening local organizations to provide landowners with the on-the-ground support needed to succeed at scale.
“The SFLR Network Forestry Fund exemplifies the transformative power of partnerships to support small landowners in forestry. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable forestry practices and the empowerment of communities that have been underserved.” said Alicia Cramer, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities.
This fund comes at a critical time when forestry is recognized as a key strategy in supporting rural communities and wood products markets. By equipping landowners with the tools to succeed, the SFLR Network is creating a ripple effect that benefits families, ecosystems, and the economy.
“Forests do more than provide timber—they sustain wildlife, protect water, and provide economic prosperity opportunities. For too long, African American landowners have been excluded from these opportunities. The Forestry Fund is a powerful step to change that, empowering landowners to steward their forests and secure their futures,” said Bethaney Wilkinson, Executive Director, SFLR Network.
Eligible landowners must be enrolled in—or willing to join—an SFLR Network Site program. Applications for individual or joint projects will be accepted on a rolling basis through April 15, 2025. Projects must exceed $10,000, with funding capped at $15,000 per landowner annually. Priority will be given to initiatives that address immediate barriers and promote long-term financial independence. For full eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit SFLR Network’s Forestry Fund page.
