Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants Solicitation 2026
🏛 Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California communities and organizations planning to develop Community Resilience Centers. Applicants must have a Lead Applicant plus at least one Partner organization. Partnerships should demonstrate commitment to planning, community engagement, and future implementation of resilience facilities.
Planning activities must focus on site identification, design, community accessibility, and preparation for future construction or retrofit. Applicants benefit from connecting to implementation funding opportunities beyond just the CRC Program.
Priority consideration is given to Tribal applicants for technical assistance. Application TA is available to eligible applicants during the application period.
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Program description
Tribal Wildfire Resilience grants fund projects that serve California Native American tribes, support Traditional Ecological Knowledge and cultural fire, improve forest health through forest fuels reduction, pest management, reforestation, biomass utilization, forest watershed restoration, upper watershed, riparian, and mountain meadow restoration, or research thereof, and directly or indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These projects address critical needs in tribal communities, and may include a combination of: Implementing & training Traditional Ecological Knowledges & indigenous stewardship Cultural and prescribed burns Creation and maintenance of shaded fuel breaks and defensible space Forest and wildfire resilience projects such as: reforestation dead and dying tree removal understory thinning and/or removal Forest health & restoration projects Increasing biodiversity and improving access to and use of traditional foods and culturally significant species Workforce Development and training programs in fire, forestry, and related Traditional Ecological Knowledge Mapping projects Development of restoration plans, fire or forest management plans Biological and cultural surveys Environmental compliance and permitting Fuels management Fire reintroduction (and planning for fire reintroduction)
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Lead Applicant and Partner contact information
- Letter of Commitment from Lead Applicant and each Partner
- Project narrative describing planning activities
- Community engagement plan
- Timeline for planning activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization information (tax status, capacity)
Program contact
- 📧 TribalWildfireResilienceGrants@fire.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-364-4615
FAQ
Who can apply for the CRC Planning Grant?
Lead Applicants plus at least one Partner organization can apply. Eligible entity types aren't fully specified, but community-based organizations, local governments, and tribal nations should inquire. Check with the Strategic Growth Council for detailed eligibility.
What activities should the planning grant support?
Focus on site selection, community engagement, design, accessibility planning, and preparation for future implementation funding. Activities should address climate resilience and social/economic issues.
Is there a Letter of Intent or Letter of Commitment required?
Yes. Partners and the Lead Applicant must submit a Letter of Commitment describing roles, responsibilities, and timeline commitment before the deadline.
How competitive is this grant?
With $3M total funding and awards of $100K–$500K, expect 6–30 awards. Competition is moderate to high. Strong community partnerships and clear implementation readiness improve chances.
What is the typical grant timeline and amount?
Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000. Typical planning periods are 12–24 months. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by identifying a strong Lead Applicant and at least one committed partner. Clear roles and responsibilities in your Letter of Commitment matter greatly.
- Demonstrate robust community engagement early. Show how you've consulted with residents, especially vulnerable populations, about resilience needs.
- Use planning time to study implementation requirements. Familiarize your team with CRC Implementation Grant standards so your planning directly prepares you.
- Request Application TA if eligible, especially if you're a Tribal applicant or new to the CRC program. Technical assistance improves competitiveness.
- Focus on site readiness and accessibility planning. Reviewers want to see concrete progress toward a future construction or retrofit project.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear community engagement or fail to describe how residents shaped the planning process. Partners aren't committed or roles are vague in the Letter of Commitment. Applicants don't connect planning activities directly to future implementation funding opportunities or construction readiness.
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