Wildfire and Forest Resilience
Directed Grant Program

Now accepting concept proposals through 5pm PDT on July 27, 2026.

This Wildfire and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program is focused on funding high-impact forest-health planning or implementation projects that deliver strong, direct benefits to communities, critical infrastructure, or unique natural resources.

The program seeks to create more resilient forest landscapes and watersheds and reduce wildfire risk. The climate and ecological benefits of forest-restoration treatments are well known. Ecologically sound forest management, including prescribed fire, and community protection are critical in securing the overall well-being of the Sierra-Cascade region.

We also offer capacity-building grants to support this program.

How to Apply

Review the Grant Guidelines. To initiate consideration of a project, contact the appropriate SNC Area Representative to discuss the project idea. If it is determined that SNC will consider the project, SNC will share the concept proposal form and submission instructions with the applicant and will assist with development of the project and its proposal.

Grant Guidelines (pdf)

Additional information regarding Vulnerable Populations and Disadvantaged and Severely Disadvantaged Communities is available at the California Natural Resources Agency Proposition 4 Department Guidance Documents webpage.

man in a hard had, mask, and shovel poses on front of small flames burning behind him in a forestground-level view of a small tree seedling growing out of dirt with a few people standing and talking in the backgroundlarge machine holds a long tree trunk horizontally getting ready to place it next to a pile of tree trunks

Eligibility

Eligible applicants:

  • public agencies, including federal agencies
  • qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • tribal entities recognized on the current United States Federal Register or the Native American Heritage Commission as a California Native American tribe

Eligible projects:

  • Result in a clear, demonstrable, and enduring public benefit.
  • Be located within the Sierra-Cascade region as defined by current SNC governing legislation.
  • Must align with one of the Program priorities identified in these guidelines.
  • Be consistent with the SNC mission and program areas as defined in the SNC Strategic Plan.
  • Be consistent with the requirements of the funding source and budget provisions.
  • Meet all California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, as applicable.

Example Projects

  • Constructing or improving fuelbreaks
  • Protecting water supplies
  • Improving safety along ingress/egress routes
  • Protecting hospitals, schools, giant sequoias, and other high-value resources and assets.

Process and Schedule

Review the Grant Guidelines. The proposal process involves concept proposal and full proposal phases. To initiate consideration of a project, contact your SNC Area Representative. Projects to be considered will be sent a Concept Proposal. Selected projects will then be invited to submit a full proposal.

  • Concept Proposals are due by 5pm on July 27, 2026.
  • Full Proposals are due by 5pm on November 2, 2026.
  • Grant award recommendations are anticipated to occur in March, June, and September 2027.

Funding Source

The primary funding source for the program is Proposition 4 Climate Bond funding appropriated to SNC under AB100. Approximately fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) will be available for this grant cycle.