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Cascade Funding 2nd Call is Now Open

Innovate for EU forests and generations to come!

Seize the opportunity to drive innovation and profitability in small-scale forestry!

35 organisations are already engaged in shaping the future of small-scale forestry through the 1st call. Now, it’s your turn! In this second call, at least 40 new forest organisations will be selected to drive innovation, sustainability and profitability in small-scale forestry.

What will you do as a funded organisation?

  • Develop 10 innovative business models to empower economic opportunities for small forest holders.
  • Lead 10 Close-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS) demo stands, sharing practical know-how through hands-on training.
  • Join one of 7 Close-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS) training sessions happening across Europe.
  • Implement 5 pilot carbon projects, promoting Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) in forestry.
  • Actively contribute to 1 of 15 National/Regional Working Groups promoted by the project.
  • Attend the SMURF Final Conference and play a key role in the joint communication and dissemination activities of the SMURF project.

Apply now and be part of a growing network committed to innovation, sustainability, and stronger economic opportunities for small forest owners across Europe.

Start driving innovation and profitability today for the forests of tomorrow! 🌲

General Information

📃Title of the call: 2nd SMURF open call for small forest owners’ organisations

💶Total funding:  €825.000 

💶Funding per grant: Maximum of 60,000 €/organization (up to €55,000 for recipients of the first call).

🌍Number of grants to be funded: Minimum of 40 

🎯 Target applicants: Associations, federations, confederations or cooperatives of small forest owners

🗓️Opening of the call: 09/04/2025 – 08.00 CET

🗓️❗Closing of the call: 02/07/2025 – 17.00 CET               

📊Communication of results: 03/10/2025            

💼Types of activities:

  • Implementation of pilot projects on innovative business opportunities (up to 10 grants)
  • Development of Close to Nature Silviculture (CNS) demo stands (up to 10 grants)
  • Participation in training sessions focused on CNS practices
  • Implementation of new Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot carbon projects (up to 5 grants)
  • Participation in National and Regional Working Groups
  • Attendance at the Final SMURF project conferences
  • Playing a key role in the joint communication and dissemination activities of the SMURF project

➡️Start of the activities: Immediately after sign Grant Agreement (Signature of GA planned for December 2025)

🔁Duration of the grants: until 31/07/2027

All the information you need to apply is clearly outlined in the documents below.

  • Annex 1. Administrative Application form
  • Annex 2: Activity 2 – Technical Application Form
  • Annex 3: Activity 3 – Technical Application Form
  • Annex 4: Activity 4 – Technical Application Form
  • Annex 5: Activity 5 – Technical Application Form
  • Annex 6: List of business models and business opportunities
  • Annex 7: Grant Agreement template
  • Annex 8: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Please download the folder and read all materials carefully before submitting your application.

    Apply from 9 April to 2 July 2025

    Info Sessions

    Read the annex 8-FAQ related to the call

    Join our online information sessions to get your specific questions about the call answered! Two sessions are available—register now to secure your spot!  

    Please note that live questions and discussions will not be allowed. Questions received via email (info@smurfproject.eu) before the online session will be collected and answered in the online session. 

    Online information sessions
    First session
    30/04/2025 at 11.00 CET >>> postponed to 7 May 11.00 CET!!
    Second session
    28/05/2025 at 11.00 CET

    Have further questions?
    We're Here to Help!

    f you have any questions regarding the 2nd SMURF Open Call, please send them to info@smurfproject.eu following these guidelines:

    📌 Email Subject: 2nd SMURF Open Call
    📅 Deadline for Submissions: June 20, 2025, at 23:59 CET

    Please note: Questions received after the deadline will not be considered, and individual responses will not be provided. Instead, all submitted questions will be collected, answered, and published in our website:

    🔗 SMURF Project – 2nd Call