EPA Opens $13.5 Million for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grants
March 30, 2026 · 2 min read
David Almeida
The Environmental Protection Agency opened a $13.5 million funding opportunity for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings, targeting the growing public health burden of wildfire smoke exposure across the country.
Applications are due April 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. EPA expects to award approximately 11 grants ranging from $350,000 to $2.5 million each.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized Tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies, and nonprofit organizations. All applicants must hold active registrations on both SAM.gov and Grants.gov — a requirement that trips up first-time federal grant seekers, so organizations should verify their status immediately.
What the Grants Fund
The program supports a wide range of activities to reduce indoor exposure to wildfire smoke pollutants:
- HVAC upgrades and filtration improvements in community buildings
- Establishment of cleaner air shelters for vulnerable populations
- Air quality monitoring equipment and early warning systems
- Community smoke readiness planning and public education campaigns
- Assessment and abatement of existing smoke hazards
With wildfire seasons intensifying — the western United States and increasingly the Southeast have logged record smoke-impact days in recent years — the program addresses a gap between disaster response and year-round preparedness.
How to Position a Strong Application
EPA's review criteria emphasize demonstrated need in fire-prone regions, partnerships with local health departments, and plans that serve environmental justice communities. Organizations in areas with documented wildfire smoke exposure data will have an advantage.
Questions about the application can be submitted to WildfireSmokeGrants@epa.gov through April 8, 2026 — giving applicants just over a week to clarify requirements before the deadline.
For additional coverage of EPA funding opportunities and application strategies, visit the Granted blog.