Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Solicitation

The Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants program is administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of its Climate and Energy Program. The program is funded through the Proposition 4 Climate Bond, a statewide initiative designed to improve wildfire resilience, forest health, and climate adaptation. The program specifically focuses on supporting California Native American tribes in managing ancestral lands, strengthening wildfire safety, and advancing the use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in land stewardship practices. This funding reflects a broader state commitment to reducing wildfire risk while promoting culturally informed land management approaches. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that enhance wildfire resilience and forest health on tribal lands or ancestral territories within California. Eligible projects must include implementation activities, meaning that planning-only proposals are not permitted under this funding round. Funded activities may include cultural and prescribed burns, forest thinning, reforestation, fuel reduction, biodiversity enhancement, workforce development, mapping, environmental compliance, and restoration planning. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate the integration of traditional ecological practices with modern wildfire mitigation strategies and that provide measurable environmental and community benefits. Funding for the 2026 solicitation totals up to ten million dollars, with individual grant awards ranging from two hundred fifty thousand dollars to three million dollars. These funds may be used for both direct and indirect project costs, including staffing, contractual services, supplies, environmental compliance, and reporting. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, though limited advance payments may be available under certain conditions. All projects must comply with environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act, and must complete environmental compliance within one year of the grant agreement execution. Eligibility for this program is limited to federally recognized Native American tribes, non federally recognized tribes listed on the California Native American Heritage Commission Tribal Consultation List, and tribally led nonprofit organizations with documented tribal affiliation and leadership. Projects must occur on ancestral lands within California and demonstrate long term access to the project site. Non tribal organizations may participate as partners or subcontractors but cannot serve as the primary applicant. The program emphasizes projects that serve tribal communities, address critical wildfire risks, and contribute to long term resilience and sustainability. The application process is structured as a two phase competitive process. Applicants must first submit a concept proposal through the Grants Portal, which includes a project summary, scope of work, budget overview, deliverables, and eligibility documentation. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full application, which requires detailed budgets, environmental compliance documentation, spatial data, and supporting materials. The review process includes scoring based on eligibility, project readiness, alignment with program goals, and organizational capacity, as well as optional video interviews and discussions with program staff. The timeline for the 2026 funding cycle begins with applications opening in early July 2026 and concept proposals due by September 8 2026. Full applications are expected between October and December 2026, with interviews conducted in January 2027 and awards announced in early 2027. Projects are expected to begin in spring 2027 and must be completed by January 30 2031. The program is recurring and part of an ongoing statewide investment in wildfire resilience, with future funding cycles anticipated. Applicants are encouraged to participate in weekly office hours hosted by program staff and to seek technical assistance through the Tribal Peer Learning Network. For questions or support, applicants may contact the program via the official email or reach out to designated program managers. The program is managed in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency and emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and accountability throughout the grant lifecycle.

Prioritize readiness and ability to begin implementation within 12 months ensure environmental compliance planning is clear and demonstrate strong alignment with tribal wildfire resilience goals