The Forest Service will evaluate all applications received by the State Foresters or equivalent officials of the Indian Tribes and award grants based on the following criteria:

(a) Type and extent of community benefits provided (§ 230.2);

(b) Extent and nature of community engagement in the establishment and long-term management of the community forest;

(c) Extent to which the community forest contributes to a landscape conservation initiative;

(d) Likelihood that, unprotected, the property would be converted to nonforest uses;

(e) Amount of cost share leveraged;

(f) Extent of due diligence completed on the project, including cost share committed and status of appraisal;

(g) Costs to the Federal Government; and

(h) Additional considerations as may be outlined in the RFA.