USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grants
At-risk communities were encouraged to apply for Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG). This competitive grant program, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, helps communities plan for and mitigate wildfire risks.
USDA’s CWDG program helps communities reach the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy goals of:
- Restoring and Maintaining Landscapes: Landscapes across all jurisdictions are resilient to fire-related disturbances, in accordance with management objectives.
- Creating Fire Adapted Communities: Human populations and infrastructure can better withstand a wildfire without loss of life and property.
- Improving Wildfire Response: All jurisdictions participate in making and implementing safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions.
Table of Contents
Eligible Applicants & Land
Eligible Applicants
- Units of local governments representing communities located in an area with a risk of wildfires
- Indian Tribes (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice)
- Non-profit organizations including homeowner associations that assist such communities
- State forestry agencies (including U.S. territories and interests)
- Alaska Native Corporations (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice)
Eligible Land
- This grant only applies to non-federal lands
Application Period
IDL Community Wildfire Defense Grants Webinar
Links to Valuable Resources
USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grants Webpage
Learn how this grant program can help at-risk communities and Tribes plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.
Council of Western State Foresters CWDG Program Webpage
Read information about the CWDG program specific to western states.
CWDG Quick Reference
This reference guide provides links to resources and datasets necessary for requesting funding through the Community CWDG program.
IDL CWDG Program Contact
Grants Project Coordinator Isabella Pritchard 208-666-8669 ipritchard@idl.idaho.gov