Workforce Development Grant

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) Workforce Development Grant supports wildfire risk reduction through hands-on training and employment for individuals interested in forestry and fire mitigation careers. Established following Colorado’s devastating 2020 wildfire season, COSWAP was permanently funded in 2023 and is administered by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The program is delivered in collaboration with the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure alignment with statewide priorities. COSWAP offers four funding tracks within the Workforce Development Grant: mitigation work using CYCA-accredited conservation corps, work with independent conservation corps, projects utilizing the Department of Corrections’ State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT) crews, and wildfire mitigation workforce training. Crew time awards fund labor directly, covering services provided by CYCA or DOC SWIFT partners. Cash grants allow applicants to hire independent corps or cover project management, training tuition, and logistical costs such as equipment rental and travel. Eligible applicants include federal and state agencies, local governments, tribes, public utilities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on fuel reduction or natural resource management. Projects may occur on any land ownership type but must be strategic—e.g., protecting communities, critical infrastructure, or watersheds; connecting to existing treatments; or addressing high wildfire risk or social vulnerability. Training grants may support S-130/S-190/L-180 basic firefighter instruction, chainsaw operations (S-212), or Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX). All training applicants must coordinate with identified trainers and ensure training aligns with COSWAP's objectives. Applicants are expected to provide at least 25% cash or in-kind match unless exempt (e.g., Tribal entities). Indirect costs of up to 10% of the requested cash grant are allowed without additional reporting. The 2025 application opens on September 8, 2025, and closes on November 3, 2025. Grants will be awarded by December, with a project completion deadline of December 31, 2027. Submissions require a complete application, a geographic project map, and documented coordination with crew providers or trainers. Successful applicants enter into a Grant Agreement with the State of Colorado and must adhere to insurance and liability requirements. Reporting includes quarterly updates and a final report due within 30 days of project completion. COSWAP reserves the right to negotiate project scope and budget to meet programmatic goals. Projects awarded through COSWAP do not guarantee the prevention of wildfire damage but contribute significantly to mitigation efforts and workforce development in the state.

Strong applications clearly describe strategic purpose, risk reduction, and alignment with CWPP or state plans; early communication with crews/trainers is essential.