Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Grant Program

The Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Grant Program, administered through the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF), is an annual grant initiative that prioritizes the health and wellness of youth in Butte County, California. The fund was established in the aftermath of the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, with an initial $1 million donation from the Aaron Rodgers Foundation. Over the years, it has grown through additional contributions and has disbursed more than $1.7 million to support recovery and youth-focused programs. The fund has now shifted from immediate disaster relief to longer-term community investment, focusing particularly on programs that address mental and physical health needs of young people affected by the disaster and living across Butte County. This annual grant program will accept applications from February 3, 2026 through March 3, 2026, with awards made in March. Grants will typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are intended to support innovative, youth-centered projects, particularly those that have measurable, lasting impacts on underserved or vulnerable populations. While priority will be given to initiatives within the Camp Fire burn footprint, the program recognizes the broader impact of the disaster and invites applications serving relocated or affected youth across the entire county. Funded activities may include wellness initiatives, mental health support services, community engagement programs, and other youth development efforts that demonstrate creativity and sustainability. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public schools, tribal entities, or organizations fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3). Projects must not duplicate existing government funding sources or insurance coverage and should instead strategically fill service or funding gaps. The fund discourages applications for capital improvements, general operating expenses, endowment contributions, or activities restricted to faith-based membership groups. Instead, preference is given to programs that leverage additional funding, engage in collaborative partnerships, and outline a clear plan for sustainability beyond the grant period. The evaluation process will prioritize initiatives with a direct connection to Camp Fire recovery, a focus on vulnerable populations including children, low-income families, and individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Demonstrable community impact and organizational capacity are essential evaluation criteria. Projects must be feasible, well-scoped, and aligned with clearly defined outcomes, and applicants must present a full project budget identifying income sources and all anticipated expenses. Upon approval, successful applicants will enter into a formal grant agreement defining the project’s scope, budget, deliverables, and reporting requirements. Grant payments will be disbursed upon execution of this agreement. Awardees must report on both project progress and financial expenditures, and public acknowledgment of the grant must be coordinated through NVCF and adhere to its guidelines. Contact for general inquiries should be directed to the NVCF grants team via [email protected], and questions regarding publicity should be directed to David Little, Executive Vice President, at [email protected]. The program exemplifies a commitment to long-term youth wellness and recovery in Northern California and aims to catalyze community resilience through strategic investments in young people. With a clearly defined timeline, transparent criteria, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and equity, the Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Grant Program continues to support organizations working to rebuild and uplift youth in the wake of historic wildfire devastation.

Priority is given to projects in the Camp Fire footprint, serving vulnerable youth, and showing sustainability.