Community Defense and Prevention Grants
   

Last update: 2/14/2023

DNR Firewise USA® Site Assistance Micro Grant

 
The 2023 DNR Firewise USA® Site Assistance Micro Grant is a part of the Wildfire Ready Neighbors (WRN) Program assisting Firewise USA® sites in community effort to be more prepared for a wildfire. It is designed to encourage neighbors to work together to take action and reduce wildfire risks through implementation of mitigation strategies identified in Firewise USA® site Action Plans. This program will provide reimbursement of up to $3,000* for eligible activities conducted in Active or Prospective Firewise USA® sites. The following guidelines are intended to help potential grantees apply to this program.
 
*Awarded reimbursements may vary based on available funds and numbers of applicants; awards shall not exceed $3000 and awardees will be notified of actual reimbursement amount available at time of award.
 
Eligible Grantees:  Active or Prospective Firewise USA® sites in all Washington counties are eligible to apply.
Submit completed grant applications to: marc.titus@dnr.wa.gov
 

What is the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG)?

 
The CWDG is a federal grant program that is intended to help at-risk, local communities and tribes with planning for and mitigating against the risk created by wildfire. Applications are currently closed for the USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grants.
 
There is $160M available per year over the next five years through CWDG nationally.

What does the CWDG fund?

 
There are three types of projects for which the grant provides funding:
  • The development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans
  • The updating of Community Wildfire Protection Plans
  • The implementation of projects described in a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and/or Hazard Mitigation Plan with a Wildfire Section that is less than ten years old.
  • Funding is not available for fire suppression training, equipment, or supplies.

Who can apply for CWDG funds?

 
Any community at risk to wildfire can apply, including:
  • Local government
  • Tribes
  • Non-profit organizations (including Homeowner Associations)
  • State forestry agency

How are CWDG funds prioritized?

 
Applications will be prioritized by areas of high or very high wildfire hazard, low income communities, communities impacted by a severe disaster within the last ten years.
 

How do I apply?

 
Applicants will need to request a unique application link for each proposal through the WA State Point-of-Contact, Guy Gifford at guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants also will need to complete and submit an online grant proposal by October 5 at 8:00 p.m. through cwdg.forestrygrants.org. A fillable PDF version of the application can be found here to use while developing the content for the application. If you do not already have one, you must also register at SAM.gov to create a Unique Entity ID.
 
Detailed grant information and eligible project examples can be found below under "CWDG Resources" in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Western States and Territories.
 
Washington State Department of Natural Resources held Q&A sessions over Zoom.
 
CWDG Weekly Sessions
September 14, 21, 28, and October 5 
2:00-3:00 p.m.
 
Meeting ID: 849 9994 7843
One tap mobile +16694449171,,84999947843# US
 
Washington State Point-of-Contact
 
Guy Gifford
guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov
(509) 990-6218
 
 

General CWDG Information

CWDG Application Resources