Wildfire Grant Finder

Federal Wildfire Mitigation Programs (2026)

Federal funding rarely goes directly to homeowners. Most programs require your LOCAL GOVERNMENT to apply on your behalf. Firewise USA is the key access point to unlock federal and community funding for wildfire resilience.

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Federal wildfire mitigation collaboration

How Federal Wildfire Funding Works

Federal funding for home hardening requires engagement with local government and community organizations

1

Federal funds allocated

Federal agencies (FEMA, USDA, USFS) allocate wildfire-mitigation grants to states and regions, not directly to homeowners.

2

Local government applies

Your county, city, or local emergency management applies for grants on behalf of residents. Individuals cannot apply directly.

3

Community engagement required

Communities and Firewise sites are the primary conduit. Participation in local programs increases access to funding.

Major Federal Programs

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

When it activates: After a presidential disaster declaration (e.g., following a major wildfire)

What it funds

  • ✓ Roof replacement (Class-A)
  • ✓ Ember-resistant vents and eaves
  • ✓ Defensible-space clearing
  • ✓ Landscaping improvements

How to access

Your LOCAL GOVERNMENT applies on residents' behalf. Contact your county emergency manager or FEMA after a disaster declaration.

FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

Status (2026): Legally contested and effectively paused. Do NOT rely on BRIC without verifying current status.

⚠️ Important: Check FEMA.gov for the latest updates on BRIC eligibility and availability before planning around it.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Focus: Rural and forest landowners

What it supports

  • ✓ Fuels reduction on larger properties
  • ✓ Forest management practices
  • ✓ Conservation planning
  • ✓ Varies by state and county

How to access

Contact your local NRCS office or county extension office to learn what programs are available for your property size and type.

USFS Community Wildfire Defense Grants

Focus: Community-scale projects on public and private lands

What it funds

  • ✓ Defensible-space work
  • ✓ Fuels reduction
  • ✓ Landscape-scale mitigation
  • ✓ Community resilience projects

How to access

Applied for by communities, local governments, or Fire Safe Councils—not by individual homeowners. Check with your county or local fire department to see if your area is covered.

Firewise USA community collaboration

Firewise USA: The Key Access Point

Firewise USA is free and voluntary — and it's the PRIMARY PATH to access federal and community wildfire-mitigation funding and insurance discounts.

What Firewise Provides

  • ✓ Free community certification program for wildfire resilience
  • ✓ Access to resources and planning tools
  • ✓ Community recognition and networking
  • ✓ Group discounts on mitigation materials
  • ✓ Insurance discounts (e.g., USAA and others)
  • ✓ Preferential access to community grant funding in some cases

How to get started: Visit firewise.org to find an existing Firewise site in your neighborhood, or start one with your neighbors.

Key partners: Engage your local fire department, county emergency manager, or Fire Safe Council to connect with federal and community programs.

How to Access Federal Programs

Step 1

Join Firewise

Find or start a Firewise site in your neighborhood. This is your entry point to federal and community funding.

Step 2

Engage Local Officials

Contact your fire department, county emergency manager, and local Fire Safe Council to learn about active programs.

Step 3

Explore State/Federal

Check with your state and county for ongoing USDA, USFS, or other federal grant programs available in your area.

Step 4

Post-Disaster (If Applicable)

After a presidential disaster declaration, advocate to your local government to apply for FEMA HMGP on behalf of residents.

See What You Qualify For

Answer a quick questionnaire to find out what grants, tax credits, and insurance discounts are available for your home.

Check your eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about federal wildfire mitigation programs

Program Availability & Changes: Federal programs, eligibility criteria, funding levels, and legal status change frequently. This guide reflects information accurate as of June 2026. Always verify details with official sources before making decisions.

Learn more:

  • • FEMA.gov (HMGP, BRIC status)
  • • USFS.gov (Community Wildfire Defense Grants)
  • • USDA-NRCS.gov (Conservation programs)
  • • Firewise USA
  • • Contact your county emergency manager or fire department for local programs