Advancing American Hardwood: Industry Projects Secure Federal Funding

We’re excited to share that the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) have both been awarded 2025 USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Grants—a major investment in the future of American hardwood.

The Real American Hardwood Coalition received $275,000 for its project, “Expand hardwood markets for mills across the U.S.” This funding supports RAHC’s nationwide efforts to increase demand for real American hardwood through targeted education and marketing that highlights its sustainability, performance, and aesthetic appeal. These efforts help drive long-term consumer awareness and reinforce the value of domestic hardwood products in today’s market.

NHLA was also awarded $80,000 for its project, “Develop tools and performance data to improve market share of domestic hardwood lumber products, thereby supporting active management and rural jobs across the U.S.” This initiative aims to provide practical, research-backed resources that strengthen confidence in hardwood lumber and help industry stakeholders demonstrate its advantages in various applications.

These two grants are part of a broader $80 million investment from the USDA Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grant Program, which funds projects that strengthen forest product markets, promote wood as a renewable building material, and support active forest management. The program is designed to help advance innovation, improve forest health, and fuel rural job growth across the country.

RAHC’s mission and NHLA’s technical leadership directly align with these goals. By supporting industry-led marketing and data-driven innovation, these grants help ensure a stronger, more competitive future for American hardwood—where healthy working forests and thriving local economies go hand in hand.

Hardwood Industry Shows Strong Presence in 2025 Awards

We’re proud to stand alongside other outstanding recipients in this year’s grant cycle. The 2025 Wood Innovations Grants also support hardwood industry efforts across the country, including:

• Sawmill modernization – Orion Hardwoods (IN), Rutland Lumber (MS), Oaks Unlimited (NC), and others
• Sustainability upgrades – Fitzpatrick & Weller (NY), Mullican Flooring (NY), Deer Park Lumber (PA)
• Advanced wood products & research – University of Kentucky (KY), Henkel Corp. (NJ), Michigan Tech (MI)
• New product development – Maryland DNR (thermally modified decking), DB Global (oak barrels)

These projects represent the resilience, innovation, and momentum of the U.S. hardwood sector—and reinforce why continued investment in domestic wood markets is so critical.

As a founding member of the Real American Hardwood Coalition, NHLA is proud to lead and collaborate on these forward-looking efforts. We remain committed to advancing the use of real American hardwoods through standards, education, and partnerships that support industry growth and long-term sustainability.

To learn more about the Wood Innovations Program, please click here.