FY 2025-26 Wildfire Prevention Grants

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), under the Wildfire Prevention (WP) Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, offers funding through a combination of California Climate Investments (CCI) and Proposition 4 resources. These grants are supported by proceeds from California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and voter-approved bond funding, specifically allocated to improve the state’s resilience to wildfires. A total of up to $135 million is available in FY 2025–2026, including $185 million from Proposition 4 designated for wildfire prevention. The program prioritizes protecting communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfire risk through a competitive application process. The WP Grants Program funds projects that focus on hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education. Eligible uses for CCI funding include all three activity types, whereas Proposition 4 funds can only support hazardous fuels reduction. Funded projects should improve public health and safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit disadvantaged or low-income communities. Projects that demonstrate carbon benefit, utilize services of the California Conservation Corps, or leverage additional private, federal, or local funding receive priority consideration. Entities eligible to apply vary slightly depending on the funding source. For CCI funds, eligibility includes state and federal agencies, Native American tribes, special districts, local agencies, certified local conservation corps, Fire Safe Councils with 501(c)(3) designation, and other qualified nonprofits. For Proposition 4, federal agencies are excluded. In all cases, private for-profit companies, individuals, and homeowners’ associations without 501(c)(3) status are ineligible. Federally recognized tribes may need to agree to limited waivers of sovereign immunity, assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applications must be submitted through CAL FIRE’s online Grants Portal no later than August 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Projects must also be entered into the WP Grants Mapping Center using the provided Project Tracking Number to submit required geospatial data. Required application components include the application form, scope of work, budget, project map PDFs, letters of support or commitment (if applicable), Articles of Incorporation for nonprofits, and Standard California forms such as the STD. 204 Payee Data Record. Applicants requesting funds for planning or educational activities need only submit a geopoint; hazardous fuels reduction projects must also provide treatment area polygons. Projects are evaluated at local, regional, and statewide levels based on criteria such as wildfire risk mitigation, alignment with strategic plans, geographic balance, public and critical infrastructure protection, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The program places additional emphasis on benefits to vulnerable populations and low-income communities, as well as the inclusion of matching or in-kind contributions. Projects should include specific, measurable deliverables such as acres treated or number of individuals educated. Awarded projects must comply with state and federal environmental regulations, including CEQA and NEPA. CEQA/NEPA compliance must be documented within 12 months of grant execution. Projects may not begin any ground-disturbing activity prior to environmental compliance. Grantees must also comply with reporting requirements such as quarterly progress and financial reports, final performance reports with before-and-after documentation, and semi-annual job impact reports for awards exceeding $1 million. All reimbursable work must occur within the project performance period stated in the executed agreement. For assistance, applicants can contact WPGrants@fire.ca.gov. Regional contacts include SouthernRegionGrants@fire.ca.gov and CNRgrants@fire.ca.gov. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to avoid disqualification due to technical issues. All projects must conclude by the project end date specified in the grant agreement, and final financial documentation must be submitted within 30 days of completion.

Submit early; late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.