Community Wildfire Defense grants

Community Wildfire Defense grants is sponsored by Colorado State Forest Service. These grants help at-risk local communities and tribes plan for and reduce wildfire risk in Colorado. This directly serves communities and tribal populations in forested areas.

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program | Colorado State Forest Service | Colorado State University Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program The Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program (Round 4) is expected to open fall 2026. The CWDG is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by the Colorado State Forest Service. The Intake Form to start the application process will be available by August 2026.

This form helps Community Navigators understand more about your application and anticipate any support you may need to prepare your proposal. You can expect a response from a Navigator within 10 working days to schedule a phone call, virtual meeting or email conversation. For the most up-to-date information about the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program (CWDG), visit the U.S. Forest Service or Fire Adapted Colorado .

2024 Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program Awards (Round 2) Applicant Project Name County Estes Valley Fire Protection District Thunder Mountain Project Larimer The Nature Conservancy Protecting Communities and Critical Watersheds in Archuleta County, CO Archuleta Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District Beulah Fire Fuels Reduction Project Pueblo Allenspark Fire Protection District Allenspark FPD CWPP Update Boulder Huerfano County Huerfano County CWPP Development Huerfano The Ember Alliance Red Feather Lakes CWPP Development Larimer Larimer County Office of Emergency Management Red Feather Lakes Area Wildfire Defense Larimer Las Animas County Las Animas CWPP Development Las Animas Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation Conejos and Costilla CWPP Update Conejos, Costilla Frequently asked questions The CWDG is a grant program funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by the CSFS intended to help at-risk local communities and tribes plan for and reduce wildfire risk.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorizes the $1 billion, 5-year CWDG program, with $200 million funding amounts anticipated for the third round that opened Nov. 21. 2024.

Interested applicants should contact the CSFS to learn more. What is an at-risk community? This funding opportunity prioritizes at-risk communities in areas that have ALL the following characteristics: High or very high wildfire hazard potential Impacted by a severe disaster that affects wildfire risk within last 10 years What can the funding be used for?

Communities can use the funding for two primary purposes: Develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) Implement projects described in a CWPP less than 10 years old The CWDG also helps communities in the wildland-urban interface implement the three goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy .

$250,000 for creating or updating a CWPP $10 million for implementing a project described in a CWPP less than 10 years old Who are qualified applicants? Qualified applicants must be at-risk communities within one of these categories: Units of local governments Homeowner association (HOA) State forestry agencies (including U.S. territories and interests) Alaska Native Corporations What are the eligibility criteria?

CWPP implementation projects are for a qualifying activity Projects must be on private, local government, HOA, state government or tribal/Alaska native corporation lands Projects designed to address management of wildfire risk and/or assist a community with mitigation measures or actions to reduce wildfire risk (as identified in a CWPP not more than 10 years old) Meets the cost-share match or waiver requirement Cost-share match can be in the form of a cash or in-king contribution Underserved areas will have waiver Funds cannot be used on lands administered by the federal government; Trust lands are excepted.

The grant term is for a total maximum of five years.

Meet the definition of an at-risk community AND Follow a CWPP, tribal hazard mitigation plan or FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan with a wildfire component that is less than 10 years old OR have a CWPP or FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan in place by the application deadline, and at the time of obligation of grant funds for mitigation projects and have the project(s) requested for funding described in the CWPP or similar plan Who should interested applicants contact?

Chad Julian is the Program Manager for the CSFS: 303-579-7957 Contact the appropriate contact in your area of Colorado as shown on our area map . Northeast Area: Janae Coston-Malpas Northwest Area: Chazz Lakin Southwest Area: Todd Loubsky Southeast Area: Rebecca Samulski or Julie Klett The Grants. gov site hosts comprehensive information for the CWDG program.

Navigate to the Related Documents for webinar recordings, the CWDG homepage, full grant announcement and other supporting documents. This will be updated regularly. Grants.

gov has helpful information about the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Navigate to the “Related Documents” tab (highlighted in blue) to access webinar recordings and documentation. Photo: Grants.

gov U.S. Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program Contains links to webinars, office hours, resources, FAQs and application link Community Wildfire Defense Grants scoring tool The primary U.S. Forest Service tool used by applicants to determine eligibility and scoring information Wildfire Risk to Communities Interactive maps, charts and resources to help communities understand, explore and reduce wildfire risk Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Nationally approved tool to determine eligibility and grant development Type your address or the city or town where you live into the search field on this map.

Map powered by the Colorado Forest Atlas from the Colorado State Forest Service