Forest Health Research Program — Proposition 4 Grants

The Forest Health Research Program administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is a state-funded initiative designed to support scientific research that advances forest health, wildfire resilience, and climate mitigation strategies across California. Established as part of the California Forest Carbon Plan, the program focuses on generating actionable scientific knowledge that informs land management, wildfire prevention, and ecosystem restoration efforts. The FY 2026–2027 Proposition 4 solicitation specifically targets landscape-scale research aligned with California’s climate and forest resilience goals. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects that address critical challenges in forest and fire management. Eligible research areas include improving vegetation management practices, enhancing wildfire risk reduction strategies, advancing ecological monitoring systems, and increasing understanding of wildfire impacts and future disturbance regimes. Projects are expected to produce applied, publishable research that contributes to policy development, land management decision-making, and greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Research may include field data collection, modeling, technology development, or synthesis studies, and may optionally incorporate experimental treatment activities such as prescribed burning or fuels reduction. Funding for this solicitation comes from Proposition 4 Climate Bond funds, with approximately $3 million allocated to support research projects. Individual awards range from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000, with an anticipated total of approximately two awards. While matching funds are not required, applicants demonstrating additional financial contributions may receive favorable consideration during evaluation. Allowable costs include salaries, equipment, travel, contractual services, and indirect costs (generally capped at 15% unless justified). Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, though advance payments may be available under specific conditions. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities such as universities, local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribes, utilities, and special districts. Projects must focus on California ecosystems, though limited study areas in adjacent states may be included if justified. Applicants must designate a Principal Investigator and demonstrate collaboration across organizations or disciplines. Additionally, projects must align with climate resilience goals and may be required to demonstrate greenhouse gas benefits or provide sufficient documentation for CAL FIRE to quantify those benefits. The application process is conducted through the Euna Grants Portal and involves a two փուլ submission structure. First, applicants must submit a concept proposal including project description, budget estimates, and supporting documentation. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full proposal with detailed scope of work, budget, and supporting materials such as letters of commitment and environmental compliance documentation. Concept proposals are due by July 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM PDT, and full proposals are due November 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM PDT. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria such as scientific merit, feasibility, collaboration, alignment with landscape-scale research goals, and benefits to disadvantaged communities. Final award decisions are expected to be announced in February 2027. Successful projects must begin no earlier than February 1, 2027 and be completed by December 31, 2030. Awardees are required to submit regular progress reports, final technical reports, and data deliverables, and must ensure public access to research outputs. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the Forest Health Research Program team via email at FHResearch@fire.ca.gov or reach out to program staff listed in the solicitation guidelines. The program emphasizes transparency, scientific integrity, and collaboration, and aims to generate impactful research that supports California’s long-term forest and climate resilience strategies.

Emphasize collaboration across institutions; clearly align research with landscape-scale forest management; demonstrate measurable climate or greenhouse gas benefits; ensure strong scientific methodology and publishable outcomes