Five for Friday: November 3, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy, electric vehicles, entrepreneur funding, strategic planning, and conservation.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, health care, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas.

Renewable Energy System grants up to $1 million.

Energy Efficiency grants up to $500,000 (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

Next Application Deadlines:
December 31, 2023
March 31, 2024
June 30, 2024

Contact: USDA Rural Development State Office

Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Grants

The Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator is making up to $100 million available for building a convenient, affordable, reliable, equitable, and Made-in-America electric vehicle (EV) charging network along the Nation’s highways and within communities. The first round of funding made available in this program will focus on repairing or replacing non-operational EV chargers. Eligible applicants include State departments of transportation and local governments. States and localities are encouraged to coordinate to the extent possible to address broken and non-operational chargers.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Submit Application

More Information

Funding Great Ideas for the Common Good

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation borrows from its venture capital legacy to create a simple yet unique model for working with social entrepreneurs: they find, fund and support leaders with exceptional promise and impactful ideas that have the potential to scale. Through exhaustive due diligence on hundreds of potential portfolio opportunities, including working in close contact with networks and institutions across the public, private and non-profit sectors, a select group of exceptional leaders and organizations become part of their portfolio. The year-round application process seeks exceptional entrepreneurs and provides them with three years of unrestricted capital (totaling $300,000) as well as rigorous on-going support by joining their board of directors for the 3 years and partnering with the leader to help them to build capacity.

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

GOED’s Main Street Program Seeking Input for Strategic Plan

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Main Street Program is seeking input in the development of individual community plans through a survey in addition to planning workshops scheduled throughout the state. It is a holistic approach to downtown revitalization that includes historic preservation, community development, beautification, and economic vitality. GOED has partnered with the University Center for Economic Development (UCED), part of the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, to develop individual community Main Street strategic plans and a new statewide Nevada Main Street Program strategic plan. As part of this effort, GOED staff and UCED faculty will host a series of strategic planning workshops with the WNDD community Main Street stakeholders that include:

Winnemucca: November 6 and 7, 2023

Survey

Nevada Main Street Program

Grant Program Preserves Forests, Promotes Public Access

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) of the U.S. Forest Service offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products. Interested local government and nonprofit applicants must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located. Tribal applicants must submit applications to equivalent Tribal government officials.

Award Ceiling: $600,000

Application Deadline to State Foresters or Tribal governments: January 12, 2024

Community Forest Program

Nevada State Forester

WNDD on the Move

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New Carson City Location

WNDD has relocated to::

111 W. Telegraph St., Ste. 204
Carson City, NV 89703

All other contact information remains the same.

Five for Friday: October 13, 2023

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Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More!

Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, EPA Brownfields Program, supply chain, housing, wildfire defense, and Cybersecurity.

Grant Opportunities & More

Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) Workshop Explores Agricultural Workforce Programs

USDA Rural Development is hosting a virtual workshop on programs and funding opportunities that support the agricultural workforce featuring presentations from the Department of Labor and the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement.

Additional resources are available in the USDA Resource Guide for Workforce Development Guide which outlines programs and services available at USDA and other federal agencies that support workforce development in rural communities.

Workshop: Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm PT

Workshop Registration

RWIN Program

Resource Guide

EPA Brownfields Program Accepting Applications Through November 13th

EPA’s Brownfields Program provides direct funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, environmental job training, technical assistance, training, and research Applications for new grants through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) program are now be accepted.

This grant cycle offers awards between $500,000 and $5 million. The Brownfields’ mission is to advance environmental justice and help transform what were once polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets while spurring economic revitalization in underserved communities.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

Grant Application Resources

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties

The 2023 Nevada 95-80 Futures Forum is set for October 25 at the Winnemucca Boys and Girls Club.

Nevada 95-80 Futures gathers people from across the region to discuss regional economic growth and to create synergy between stakeholders.

This includes:

  • Strengthening Regional Business Networks
  • Supporting Housing Development
  • Bolstering the Local Supply Chain
  • Partnering in Workforce Development

Nevada 95-80 Futures is hosted by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority and continues to be a springboard in facilitating regional growth and expanding business opportunities.

The event is FREE to attend.

Register Today!

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Applications Close Soon

The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting applications for the second round of funding under the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program (CWPP). These grants provide communities with funds to plan for and reduce their risks from wildfire. Communities, Tribes, States, and nonprofits are eligible to apply for grant funding.

Priority is given to applications that represent:

  • Areas with High Wildfire Hazard Potential
  • Low-income Communities
  • Communities Impacted by a Severe Disaster

The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

  • Develop and Revise CWPP
  • Implement Projects Described in a CWPP Which Are Less Than Ten Years Old

Grant awards range from $250,000 to $10 million. Matching requirements range from no-match to 25 percent.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

More Information and Grant Application

Cybersecurity Summit Offers Tips to Protect Businesses from Digital Risks

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a Cyber Summit, where industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs converge to empower owners and managers with the knowledge and tools to protect their business from evolving digital risks. This promises to be an immersive experience that will transform the way you approach cybersecurity! The SBA summit focuses on delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that are accessible to all.

Virtual Sessions are FREE to attend.

Virtual Sessions: Each Wednesday in October

Virtual Session Registration

Welcome Yerington!

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WNDD Announces the City of Yerington as Its Newest Member

This week the City of Yerington became the 7th city to join the Western Nevada Development District. Economic Development Districts are cities’ local connection with the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, providing locally-based, regionally driven economic development plans and grant resources for the infrastructure needed to support the strategic blueprint.

WNDD will partner with the city to improve airport infrastructure, assist workforce development and training initiatives and support Main Street projects. The City of Yerington joins the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe; the municipality of Carson City; the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca; and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe as WNDD members.

Five for Friday: September 29, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on events around the region which promote economic development.

Grant Opportunities & More

Futures Forum Highlights Opportunities in Pershing and Humboldt Counties – October 25, 2023

The 2023 Nevada 95-80 Futures Forum is set for October 25th at the Winnemucca Boys and Girls Club. Nevada 95-80 Futures gathers people from across the region to discuss regional economic growth and to create synergy between stakeholders.

This includes:

  • Strengthening Regional Business Networks
  • Supporting Housing Development
  • Bolstering the Local Supply Chain
  • Partnering in Workforce Development

Nevada 95-80 Futures is hosted by the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority and continues to be a springboard in facilitating regional growth and expanding business opportunities.

The event is free!

Register Today!

Tahoe Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at Venture Summit – October 20, 2023

The Tahoe Prosperity Center’s Envision Tahoe Venture Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit the Basin’s unique regional economy while supporting community, quality of life, and environment. This year’s focus is on Tahoe Inc – organizing and accelerating Tahoe’s innovation ecosystem spearheaded by local entrepreneurs. The Summit will share success stories, offer creative ideas, insight and inspiration.

The Summit is scheduled for October 20th at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The Tahoe Prosperity Center is the innovative community and economic development non-profit for the Tahoe Basin working regionally with local businesses, jurisdictions, non-profits, and community members to advance identified, data-driven initiatives that better the environment, community, and economy for everyone living and working in Tahoe.

Register Today!

Event Information

Get the Business Edge on Industrial Development – October 26, 2023

The Northern Nevada Development Authority presents the Business Edge™, signature business briefings provide information, issues, and trends of interest to the Northern Nevada business community. These breakfast events also offer opportunities to network with local business executives and management teams, elected and government officials, key workforce leaders, and important nonprofit organizations. The next briefing is slated for Oct. 26 at the Atlantis Casino Resort and will feature Industrial real estate development in Nevada. Learn from local experts about the economic benefits the region has seen from industrial real estate and construction activities and how macroeconomic headwinds: inflation, rising interest rates, labor shortage and uncertainty are expected to affect future growth.

Register Today!

Northern Nevada Small & Minority Business Mixer – October 11, 2023

Join the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) on October 11th at the Eldorado Convention Center in Reno for this exciting networking event. WRMSDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the marketplace. The mixer will bring corporations and government agencies together with small and diverse-owned businesses for a day of networking and connections and to meet potential suppliers.

What to Expect:

  • Rapid-Fire Corporate Opportunity Sharing
  • Informal Meet-Ups with Corporations & Government Entities
  • Resource Tables with Information to Elevate and Grow Your Business
  • Networking Connections in a Cool, Fun Environment
  • Opportunity Raffles for 1-on-1 Meetings with Corporate Representatives

Register Today!

Ready…Set…Train for Your Next Grant Application

The Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance offers free training sessions to help you access state, federal and private grant resources. These free events will be virtual (unless otherwise noted) and will take place via the Microsoft Teams Platform.

Free and Low-Cost Grant Training Resources

Grant Fundamentals Training on YouTube

More Training

Five for Friday: September 15, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of disaster preparedness, community revitalization, museum and library support, and outdoor education.

Grant Opportunities & More

Tips and Tactics for Businesses to Get Ahead of the Next Disaster

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Knowing which disasters are most likely to affect your business can help you to return to operations faster. A back-to-business self-assessment can help you determine your risks for common hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, or even cyberattacks. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a series of tips and links to resources that can help your business be prepared.

Emergency Preparedness

EDA Helps Communities After Disasters Immediately and Long-Term

National Preparedness Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.The data is irrefutable: disasters can strike any community in the U.S., and they are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity. Just last week, parts of Florida and South Carolina were hit by Hurricane Idalia; and in Hawaii, the risk of wildfire remains just weeks after deadly fires destroyed parts of the state. EDA’s support after natural disasters is both immediate and long-term through recovery and resilience investments. WNDD is uniquely positioned to lead federal coordination for economic recovery in the region. Our efforts have led to EDA assistance after multiple disasters and provided billions of dollars in disaster supplemental funding to support communities.

EDA Disaster Resources

Thriving Communities Program Helps Communities Access Historic Infrastructure Investments

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $22 million in grants to provide technical assistance and a Call for Letters of Interest from communities seeking support through the Thriving Communities Program (TCP). Launched in 2022, the program helps prepare state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to better access historic levels of federal funding for projects in their communities. TCP provides intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to help them identify, develop, and deliver transportation and community revitalization opportunities. Those communities receive in-kind support from Capacity Builders funded through TCP to prepare grant application materials and undertake pre-development, and project delivery activities which include:


• Deploying Innovative Community Engagement
• Workforce Development
• Clean Technology Strategies

There is no cost for communities to receive support through the program.

Thriving Communities Program

The Institute for Museum and Library Services’ Inspire!

Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America program. It is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, policy development and institutional planning, technology enhancements, professional development, community outreach, audience development, and/or collections management, curation, care, and conservation.

Inspire! has three project categories:

  • Lifelong Learning
  • Institutional Capacity
  • Collections Stewardship and Access

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $75,000. Cost share requirements depend on the size of the award.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2023

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums

NOFO

Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program

The Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER) seeks to provide quality opportunities for Nevada students to experience the outdoors. Administered by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, the goals of the program are to improve academic achievement and personal wellness while fostering an appreciation of nature. Public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal governments, and other community-based entities that provide outdoor education and recreation programs for Nevada students are eligible for grants ranging from under $5,000 to $50,000. Grants will be available for outdoor environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving Nevada students through the age of 18, with a focus on prioritizing students who face barriers to outdoor recreation access.

Application Deadline: October 6, 2023

More Information and Grant Manual

2023 APA Nevada Chapter Annual State Conference

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Bursting at the Seams: Planning for Growth and a Future That Unites Us All While Leading the West in Planning Excellence

October 16 thru 18, 2023

The 2023 APA Nevada Chapter Annual State Conference, “Bursting at the Seams: Planning for Growth and a Future that unites us all while leading the West in Planning Excellence”, will be held Monday, October 16, 2023 through Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the Tahoe Blue Center in South Lake Tahoe.

This year’s Annual State Conference will focus on how communities across Nevada are dealing with growth and development.

Topics include:

  • Best Way to Keep Up! Interactive and Professional Development
  • Protecting Nevada’s Resources! Natural and Cultural Resources
  • Track What’s Going On! Technical Planning and Trends
  • A Place for all Nevadans to Live! – Housing

Early bird registration is closing soon and there is a limited number of conference rate rooms at each of the three conference hotels.

Register Today!

Full Schedule and More

Five for Friday:Special Labor Day Edition

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of energy, nutrition, transportation, and disaster loans.

Grant Opportunities & More

Solar for All Grants Target Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities

The EPA’s $7 billion Solar for All grant competition will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for distributed solar investment. Grantees must use funds to expand existing low-income solar programs or design and deploy new Solar for All programs nationwide. EPA will not fund individual projects under this competition. Solar for All grants will range from $25 million to $400 million to provide subsidies and other financial assistance to residential rooftop and residential-serving community solar projects in and benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. Grants may include project-deployment technical assistance such as workforce development, community outreach, and other project-deployment support (e.g., interconnection technical assistance, siting and permitting support) to help overcome barriers to solar deployment.

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023

NOFO

Farm to School Programs Support Child Nutrition Activities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Technical Assistance grants support nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations to implement national- and/or regional-level farm to school activities. Awardees under this cooperative agreement will undertake projects supporting USDA’s priorities of Food System Transformation, Improving Child Health through Nutritious School Meals, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty.

Available funding ranges from $500,000 to $1 million depending on the applicant’s choice of track. Eligible applicants are national and/or regional level nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations with a history of meaningful engagement with the target audience.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Farm to School Program

Electrifying Tribal Communities

The Department of the Interior has launched a new program through the availability of $72.5 million to help Tribal communities electrify homes. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to Tribes to connect homes to transmission and distribution that is powered by renewable energy; provide electricity to un-electrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems; transition electrified Tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems; and support associated home repairs and retrofitting necessary to install the zero-emissions energy systems. Awards range from $250,000 to $20 million and can include planning, implementation or both.

Pre-Application Deadline: September 18, 2023

Full Proposal Deadline: December 22, 2023

Tribal Electrification Program

Pre-Application Information

Pilot Program Targets Transit-Oriented Development Planning and Implementation

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the availability of approximately $13.4 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funding will support local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities. TOD links public transportation, land use, and housing to create communities that are connected to transit and walkable. Comprehensive planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use development near transit stations.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

Webinar: September 14, 2023 at 11:00 am PT

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

Webinar Registration

Disaster Loans Available for Businesses and Homeowners in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral Counties

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist businesses and residents in Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral counties affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred March 8-19. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, and other business assets.

Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Interest rates for loans can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for private nonprofits and 2.375 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open 8 am to 4:30 pm PT and can be reached at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or 916.735.1512.

Apply online or email/call SBA’s customer service center at: Disastercustomerservicee@sba.gov or 800.659.2955.

Disaster Loan Assistance: Applications and More

In the News:WNDD Hosts Annual Program Meeting

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On Monday, August 21, 2023, the annual Western Nevada Development District’s Program Meeting hosted nearly 40 members and guests to tour the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility. Attendees also received an update on the OneWater Nevada water reuse project.

Lunch was held at the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center where attendees learned about programming and toured the facility. EDA’s John Edmund and Civil Engineer, Louis Aguilar, were on hand to give some grant writing and project management tips.

OneWater Nevada

Five for Friday: August 18, 2023

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Curated by: The Western Nevada Development District…

This edition of Five for Friday focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of placemaking, infrastructure, mobility, drought preparedness, and wildfire defense.

Grant Opportunities & More

Placemaking: Community Development Success Stories

Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Community leaders and public and private grant funding organizations interested in rural placemaking are encouraged to attend the USDA and University of Kentucky Webinar on Placemaking Resources in Rural Communities.

Attendees will hear about firsthand experiences of rural leaders who have received grants to finance creative placemaking projects. The presentations will also provide successful placemaking models that small funding organizations can replicate in their own communities.

Webinar: August 30, 2023, at 10:00 am PT

Webinar Registration

Rural America Placemaking Toolkit

Infrastructure ‘Bootcamps’ Help Small Cities Get Grants

The National League of Cities’ (NLC) Local Infrastructure Hub is a national program designed to connect cities and towns with the resources and expert advice they need to access federal infrastructure funding in order to drive local progress, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

As part of the Local Infrastructure Hub, NLC hosts Grant Application Bootcamps for local governments with 150,000 or fewer residents. The Bootcamps are designed to assist smaller communities navigate grant opportunities. More than 600 cities have participated in the Bootcamps, with new registrations opening later this summer.

Local Infrastructure Hub

Grant Application Bootcamps

Getting SMART about Transportation Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the second year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. This SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program seeks to fund innovation aimed at solving real-world transportation problems and is focused on building data, technology capacity, and experience for State, local, and Tribal governments.

Recognizing that many public sector transportation agencies face challenges finding the resources and personnel to leverage new technologies, the program also builds in the time and support to enable successful deployment. The funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to carry out transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:

• Coordinated automation

• Connected vehicles

• Sensors

• Systems integration

• Delivery/logistics

• Innovative aviation

• Smart grid

• Traffic signals

Anticipated funding for Phase 1 projects is $250,000.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023

SMART Grants Program

Application Submission

NOFO

WaterSmart Grants for Drought Preparedness Webinar

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provides funding for projects that will help communities prepare for and respond to drought. Typically, these types of projects are referred to as “mitigation actions” in a drought contingency plan.

Reclamation will fund projects that build resiliency to drought by:

    Increasing the reliability of water supplies

    Improving water management

    Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment

The Bureau will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for both the Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity and the Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunity. The new Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity includes:

    Water Strategy Grants

    Project Design Grants

    Drought Contingency Planning

Awards range from $25,000 to $5 million.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Webinar: August 24, 2023, 10:30 am PT

WaterSmart Grant and Webinar Information

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

The Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is again accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Now in its second year, the competitive program is designed to assist at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations and state forestry agencies with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks.

In the first round of funding, the program awarded $197 million to 99 project proposals across 22 states and 7 Tribes. The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes:

• Develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

• Implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than 10 years old

Application Deadline: October 31, 2023

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program