Micro-Grant Program

The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council (MCFSC) has launched its fifth round of Micro-Grants to enhance wildfire preparedness and resiliency across Mendocino County. This initiative reflects MCFSC's broader mission to inform, empower, and mobilize county residents to survive and thrive in wildfire-prone environments. For 2026, MCFSC is offering a total funding pool of $100,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $2,000 to $12,500. The program is designed to stimulate local action, capacity building, and collaboration among Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils (NFSCs), Firewise Communities (FWCs), and fire departments operating within the county. Eligible applicants include NFSCs and FWCs affiliated with MCFSC, as well as fire agencies that serve Mendocino County residents and were established before March 1, 2026. All requested funds must be spent within Mendocino County unless explicitly approved otherwise. Projects funded through this program must align with MCFSC’s mission and must not be used for general operating costs, pre-existing purchases, or activities already supported by other funding sources. Grantees must also adhere to non-discrimination policies and demonstrate their capacity to execute and document successful community impact projects. The grant encourages a wide variety of projects, including—but not limited to—community fuel-reduction workdays, fire detection systems, neighborhood emergency planning, fire-safety education, home hardening measures, and water source development. Strong proposals will clearly articulate the selected project’s importance, show a history of successful community collaboration, and include contributions in the form of volunteer hours, donations, or other resources. Preference will be given to projects that avoid redundancy and demonstrate collaborative efforts among neighborhoods and agencies. Applications open on March 1, 2026, and are due by 5:00 PM on March 31, 2026. Applicants must submit completed forms and documentation either via email to [email protected] or by mailing them to the MCFSC Micro-Grant Program office in Ukiah, California. Those applying in partnership with other organizations must include a letter of support from each collaborator outlining their involvement. Though there is no formal match requirement, applicants must report all external contributions, both financial and in-kind, as part of their final report. MCFSC uses a reimbursement model for disbursing funds, requiring recipients to submit invoices and supporting documentation after project expenses are incurred. However, alternative payment arrangements—such as direct vendor payments, advance payments, or lump-sum disbursements to nonprofit fiscal sponsors—are available by prior agreement. Final project reports must include documentation of expenditures, volunteer contributions, and outcome metrics such as the number of acres treated or structures improved. Grantees are also asked to submit photos, quotes, and narratives to aid in MCFSC’s outreach and future fundraising efforts. Notification of grant decisions will be sent by April 30, 2026. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2027, with final reports due no later than April 30, 2027. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Eva King at [email protected] or call 707-518-3088. The Micro-Grant program represents MCFSC’s commitment to grassroots resilience, with the aim of sparking scalable community solutions to wildfire risk throughout Mendocino County.

Strong proposals prioritize neighborhood collaboration, show community capacity, and clearly align with fire safety goals.