U.S. Endowment Launches $5 Million Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities has announced a $5 million funding opportunity to connect underutilized wood fiber with new buyers, strengthen regional supply chains and keep working forests economically viable. This effort will invest up to $1 million per year over five years in organizations that can develop durable market solutions, helping keep working forests productive and rural economies strong, especially in regions facing reduced processing capacity and shifting market conditions.  

An additional $500,000 is available for projects in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont through a partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Forest Economy Initiative.

“Supporting a vibrant forest economy in Northern New England and New York is a central focus of the Commission. This innovative collaboration with the Endowment will leverage our collective knowledge and resources for the benefit of rural communities and their residents,” says Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair, Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). 

The Endowment expects to select three to five organizations by June 2026 for five-year agreements focused on practical market-building work, including: 

• Identifying and securing new buyers for wood fiber that currently has limited market options. 

• Strengthening regional supply chains so wood can move efficiently from forest to end use. 

• Supporting near-term, on-the-ground development that can scale and attract additional investment. 

Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate readiness to launch, clear potential for growth, strong alignment with regional needs and the ability to leverage additional resources over time. 

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based private, nonprofit organizations or institutes of higher education with demonstrated experience and a strong track record in wood products manufacturing, biomass utilization, business development, economic development or related fields. 

Proposals are due by May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. Selected applicants will be notified by June 12, 2026. 

Full application details and submission instructions are available at:
https://www.usendowment.org/funding-opportunities.

The operation will utilize locally sourced softwoods and hardwoods to produce glulam in straight, curved, and double-curved layups up to 80 ft. in length. Spearhead reports it will be one of the only laminators in North America able to produce zero VOC glulam, meeting growing demand from projects with stringent indoor air quality and sustainability requirements.

Installation and commissioning of the equipment is scheduled to begin this summer, with product certifications expected in early 2027.

The project team includes architect Leckie Studio, engineer Fast + Epp, and general contractor HR Pacific. Spearhead is also working closely with Neue Holzbau, a global leader in the engineering and fabrication of complex timber structures, to introduce GSA glued-in-rod technology to North America through Spearhead’s new facility.

Through this expansion, Spearhead is creating more than 60 full time jobs in Nelson, taking the company’s head count to more than 120. The project has received $7.5 million in provincial funding from the Manufacturing Jobs Fund.