APPLICATION PERIOD CURRENTLY OPEN (January 2026-December 2026)
The California Fire Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 California Fire Foundation General Grant Opportunity for California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities serving California communities.
Disaster risk continues to rise across California, with nearly 3 million households at high or extreme risk of wildfire. Communities with limited access to services are often the most vulnerable, facing challenges that leave them without the tools or support needed to prepare. During this grant cycle, CFF aims to provide $1,000,000 in total grant funding, distributed quarterly, to address these challenges.
Whether you are a fire department working on disaster response or vegetation management, a nonprofit helping individuals and families with limited means, a tribal entity advancing Indigenous land stewardship practices, or a Fire Safe Council expanding community preparedness, this opportunity can help resource your essential work.
Focus Areas
The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including:
- Disaster Response & Recovery
- Vegetation Mitigation & Fuels Reduction Education
- Planning or Community Outreach Campaigns
- Personal Protective Equipment or
- Specialized Firefighting Equipment
Funding Guidelines
- Typical award amounts: up to $25,000 (exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis).
- Eligible entities include: fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities.
- Other groups may apply in partnership with one of the eligible entities (including through fiscal agency).
- Matching funds are not required.
- Funding decisions are typically communicated within 4–6 weeks of the application window closing.
|
Applications Submitted |
Awards Announced |
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October 1 through December 31, 2025 |
January 2026 |
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January 1st through March 31, 2026 |
April 2026 |
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April 1 through June 30, 2026 |
July 2026 |
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July 1 through September 30, 2026 |
October 2026 |
How to Apply
TO APPLY, visit our grants portal to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Applications must be submitted through the portal before the deadline.
Note: Please review the grant FAQs for more information before applying.