About
The Community Wildfire Defense grant aims to fund revision or development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), or the implementation of projects described in a CWPP.
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program is funded through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, which will provide $1 Billion in funding over 5 years (2022-2027)
Grant Cycle
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- Non-profits
- Local governments
- Tribal governments
- Conservation districts
- State Agencies
- Colleges and Universities
- Collaborative Groups
This grant program supports the goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy:
- Establishing fire adapted communities
- Restoring resilient landscapes
- Fostering safe and effective response to wildland fire
There are two distinct categories of grants available.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Proposals must meet the following intent: fund the revision or development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP). CWPPs must collaboratively help identify community risk and resilience to wildfire, formulate a plan to reduce risk, prioritize fuel reduction efforts, and address measures to reduce structural ignitability.
Community Wildfire Defense Implementation Proposals must meet the following intent: fund the implementation of projects described in an existing CWPP. Protect communities through outcome-driven, cross-boundary, innovative projects that align with priority areas identified in the Montana Statewide Wildfire Risk Assessment. Qualifying projects should fall into one or more categories:
- Reduce hazardous fuels on non-federal land,
- Fire adapted community prevention and education.
These funds are used for projects on non-federal lands and cannot be used to compensate federal labor or expenses.
The funding source is a USDA Forest Service grant of Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act dollars.The funds are passed-through by the DNRC.
Plan Proposals: Budget requests should be $250,000 or less. Requires a 10% match, calculated as a percentage of total grant funds requested.
Implementation Proposals: Budget requests must be $10 million or less. Requires a 25% match, calculated as a percentage of total grant funds requested.
Contact US
Stewardship Program Specialist
ashley.juran@mt.gov
406.542.4280