Community Wildfire Defense Grants

sm.fs.usfs_cwdg@usda.gov

State and territory contacts

This program provides funding to at-risk local communities and tribes to plan for and mitigate the risk created by wildfires. Priority is given to proposals that are located in areas identified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard potential; benefit low-income communities; and/or serve communities impacted by a severe disaster within the previous 10 years.

There are 3 project types for this opportunity:

1. Development or revision of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
2. Planning and exercises to assist communities with wildfire preparedness, response, and adaptation efforts
3. Wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach programs

Eligible applicants include:

• Units of local governments representing communities located in an area with a risk of wildfires
• Indian tribes
• Nonprofit organizations such as homeowner associations that assist such communities
• State forestry agencies
• Alaska Native Corporations

Lands administered by the federal government are not eligible for this funding opportunity with the exception of lands held in trust for Native American tribes and individuals.

Award ceiling:

• $250,000 for creating or updating of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• $10,000,000 for a project described within a Community Wildfire Protection Plan less than 10 years old

A 10% non-federal matching contribution is required for proposals to develop or update a CWPP. For proposals to implement projects described within a CWPP, the required match is 25%.

Match waivers are available for tribal applicants and for projects in underserved communities. Applicants may use the Wildfire Risk to Communities Tool or the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool to demonstrate whether their community is considered disadvantaged.

Applicants must apply through the appropriate regional notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) on grants.gov:

• Northeast - Midwest states
• Western states and territories
• Southern states
• Tribes

Tribal applicants may apply under the tribal specific NOFO or their corresponding state NOFO.

Technical assistance:

Frequently asked questions
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