Apply for Firewood Bank Funding
Application
Overview
The USDA Forest Service has awarded AGH $1.4 million to carry out the fourth year of the Firewood Bank Assistance Program. This year, grants will be up $50,000 to enable programs to acquire more wood and larger processing equipment. The level of funding is scaled based on the number of cords processed (both federal and non-federal).
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15-24 Cords: up to $15,000
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25-49 Cords: up to $25,000
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50-99 Cords: up to $35,000
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100+ Cords: up to $50,000
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Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds have been awarded.
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Please read our Guidelines document and take a look at our FAQ page before starting the application. Watching the recording of our 2025-2025 Info Session might also be helpful to you!
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Drop-In Application Assistance
Need help with your application? Join our virtual drop-in office hours to get one-on-one support from our team. No appointment needed, just stop by with your questions, and we’ll guide you through the process.
12:30-1:30 PM ET / 11:30-12:30 PM CT / 10:30-11:30 AM MT / 9:30-10:30 AM PT
2:30-3:30 PM ET / 1:30-2:30 PM CT / 12:30-1:30 PM MT / 11:30-12:30 PM PT
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12:30-1:30 PM ET / 11:30-12:30 PM CT / 10:30-11:30 AM MT / 9:30-10:30 AM PT
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2:30-3:30 PM ET / 1:30-2:30 PM CT / 12:30-1:30 PM MT / 11:30-12:30 PM PT
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12:30-1:30 PM ET / 11:30-12:30 PM CT / 10:30-11:30 AM MT / 9:30-10:30 AM PT
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2:30-3:30 PM ET / 1:30-2:30 PM CT / 12:30-1:30 PM MT / 11:30-12:30 PM PT
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12:30-1:30 PM ET / 11:30-12:30 PM CT / 10:30-11:30 AM MT / 9:30-10:30 AM PT
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2:30-3:30 PM ET / 1:30-2:30 PM CT / 12:30-1:30 PM MT / 11:30-12:30 PM PT
Application
Form & Eligibility
*NEW FOR FY26* Firewood banks must currently source, or have a documented plan to source, some or all firewood from federally managed lands. It is also acceptable if a firewood bank has logs on site that were previously sourced from federally managed lands. Applicants may meet this requirement by harvesting firewood through an existing agreement with a federal agency, or a partnership with a logger who sources from actively managed federal lands. To read about various methods of sourcing wood from federally managed lands, see here.
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​Many different types of organizations can apply including: Tribes, non-profits (501(c)(3)), volunteer groups/clubs, faith-based or mutual aid organizations, and state or local governments. Businesses can only apply if: (1.) they are leading a community firewood bank project and (2.) have a separate UEI and checking account in the name of the firewood bank (or have a separate fiscal sponsor). All grantees that previously received funding from the Firewood Bank Assistance Program will be able to apply for the 2025-2026 grant cycle as long as past grant reports were completed.
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Application
Requirements
A. Wood Sourcing
Provide supporting documentation that the firewood bank currently source, or have a documented plan to source, some or all firewood from federally managed lands.
B. Safety
Accepting funding for your firewood bank involves having a liability waiver and making some safety and operational commitments that your bank may not already have in place. ​
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C. Bank Account
In order to receive federal funds to support your firewood bank, a bank account is required to be set up in the name of the organization or a non-profit fiscal sponsor. Requirements may vary by state for opening a bank account for an unincorporated organization, but some instructions can be found here for Bank of America and here for Wells Fargo. Note that monthly banking fees may be waived by meeting a minimum balance or spending a certain amount periodically, though it depends on the bank.
If your bank requires an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to set up a bank account, you can easily apply for one from the IRS in minutes. Instructions can be found here. Note that the online portal is only open from 7am – 10pm Monday to Friday, Eastern Standard Time.
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D. Unique Entity Identifier
All businesses or organizations awarded federal grants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This is a 12-character, alphanumeric value assigned by the federal government that identifies your organization’s name and address. This identifier is free to get and can be received after making an account on sam.gov and following the steps to receive your UEI. Beware of third parties that require payment for creating a UEI. While their service might be successful, it is not necessary. You’ll have the option of registering your entity or getting a unique entity ID.
Select “Get Unique Entity ID” to receive a UEI. For more information see this Quick Start Guide for getting a UEI. A list of valid documents can be found here. The following video from the General Services Administration has more information and explains in detail how to obtain a UEI.
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Eligible Expenses
In general, federal grant funding cannot be used for lobbying, entertainment, or food. Many things that are critical to a firewood bank's operation are eligible expenses. We list many of the most common items below. Keep in mind, all equipment above $10,000 requires additional reporting (See our Guidelines document for more information). All supplies and equipment purchased with grant funds are to be used exclusively for operating the firewood bank. Here is our grant budget template. If you have a question about adding something to your proposed budget please email Pam Porter, Grant Manger (pam@forgreenheat.org).
Examples of eligible expenses include:​
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Log length wood from federally managed land
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Equipment (i.e. chainsaws, log splitters, conveyers, firewood processors)
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Rental or lease costs for equipment
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Trailers under $10,000
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Smaller equipment: (wheelbarrows, peaveys, hooks, fire extinguishers)
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Personal protective equipment (i.e. chaps, work boots, helmets, gloves, logger first aid kits)
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Safety training (ex. chainsaw certification)
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Equipment maintenance or repair
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Moisture meters and smoke/CO detectors
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Labor
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Liability insurance for firewood bank
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Warranty/insurance for equipment
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Supplies for temporary wood shed building
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Hauling costs (fuel, mileage, gas cards)
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NOTE: Skid steers and trucks may not be purchased but can be rented (rental costs are an allowable expense).