2025 Healthy Forest Initiative Grant Program

The Healthy Forest Initiative Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative managed by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) with funding support from the State of Arizona and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The program is designed to address urgent wildfire prevention and forest health needs by reducing hazardous vegetation and supporting restoration across multiple land jurisdictions, including State, Federal, Tribal, and private lands within Arizona. The program aligns with broader state and national objectives for forest resilience, including Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), the Arizona State Forest Action Plan (FAP), and initiatives targeting Arizona Communities at Risk. This funding opportunity offers a total of approximately $1.5 million in sub-awards through a reimbursement-based model. Grants will be issued through a competitive process and are intended to enhance critical infrastructure protection, promote healthy watershed ecosystems, and bolster community wildfire preparedness. Projects eligible for funding must demonstrate a strong connection to the strategic priorities mentioned above, and may support the expansion of Arizona’s wood products industry and other local private sector efforts in sustainable forestry. Individual project awards will range between $60,000 and $500,000. Organizations may submit multiple applications, but their combined award total cannot exceed $500,000. A cost-sharing requirement of 10% to 30% is mandatory, with match contributions accepted in the form of cash or in-kind services. Projects not meeting the minimum match threshold will not be considered. All awards are reimbursement-based, requiring recipients to incur costs and submit documentation before receiving funds. Eligible applicants include fire departments, fire districts, governmental bodies, public educational institutions, non-profit organizations with 501(c) status, and Indian Tribes. While for-profit entities and individuals are ineligible, community groups may participate by partnering with an eligible applicant. Projects can take place on a variety of land types across Arizona, emphasizing collaborative landscape-scale outcomes and prioritizing untreated and contiguous areas. Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026. The program began accepting applications on November 14, 2025. The required application materials include a budget form provided by DFFM and documentation that clearly outlines the proposed activities, alignment with program priorities, and matching contributions. Incomplete applications or those failing to use official forms will be disqualified from scoring. Inquiries can be directed to the Grants Program at the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Communication may be made by email at grants@dffm.az.gov or by phone at (602) 771-1575. The DFFM office is located at 1110 W Washington Street, Suite 500, Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. Applicants are encouraged to review the official Request for Applications for full guidance on submission procedures and evaluation criteria.

Ensure minimum match met and use official budget form only.