The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has a long history of championing small-acreage landowners and recognizing the essential role they play in sustaining America’s forests. Building on this commitment, SAF is proud to partner with the USDA Forest Service and the US Endowment of Forests and Communities. The goal of this partnership is to empower small landowners to maintain healthy and resilient working forests through Forest Landowner Support Program (FLS) grants. These grants provide funding to organizations across the forestry sector that assist small and non‑industrial landowners in participating in emerging markets and cost‑share programs.

The FLS supports organizations working to expand their engagement with landowners and strengthen programs that help landowners access the essential resources needed for sustainable forest management.

As part of this partnership, SAF will collaborate with FLS awardees to develop and promote engagement opportunities, expand public understanding of forests and forestry, and empower landowners to utilize resources that support long-term forest stewardship. The initiative will also feature storytelling through the #forestproud platform to drive public engagement and awareness. #forestproud is a storytelling and outreach effort powered by SAF and supported by a coalition of organizations, partners, and individuals working to amplify the everyday impact of forests.