Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program (FY25-26)
Program Overview
The Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program aims to reduce wildfire risk to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources across the state. Funding provided by The Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Wildlife through Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization will support hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention planning to enhance community resilience.
This program prioritizes projects that:
Reduce or manage hazardous vegetation and fuel loads in wildfire-prone areas.
Develop and implement wildfire fuel mitigation plans.
Support community collaboration to reduce wildfire hazards.
Eligible Project Categories
Grant funds will be allocated to three primary areas:
1. Hazardous Fuels Reduction
Projects must focus on reducing fire intensity and spread through:
Removal of hazardous vegetation in wildfire-prone areas.
Creation and maintenance of firebreaks, fuel breaks, and defensible spaces.
Roadside vegetation management to improve evacuation routes and emergency access.
Creation of shaded fuel breaks.
Community chipping programs to support defensible space efforts.
2. Wildfire Prevention Planning
Eligible planning projects should support fire-adapted community strategies through:
Evacuation planning, including mapping evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
Development of fuel management strategies within a community for high-risk areas.
Grant Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Community associations with 501(c)(4) status
State and local government entities
Ineligible applicants include private individuals, for-profit businesses, and homeowners' associations without nonprofit status.
Funding Guidelines
Grant funding limit per project: Up to $300,000 (projects may be partially funded)
Project duration: Work must be completed by May 31, 2026
Match funding: Projects require a 25% match of the requested funding amount. Match can be met via cash or in-kind contributions.
Performance Metrics & Reporting
Grantees must track and report the following metrics:
Acres treated through fuels reduction.
Miles of firebreaks or fuel breaks installed or maintained.
Number of evacuation routes improved.
Number of people engaged through education programs.
Number of defensible space projects completed.
Quarterly progress reports are required, detailing project achievements, challenges, and financial expenditures. A final report with before-and-after photos, GIS data (if applicable), and program impact assessments will be required at project completion.
Grant Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
✅ Demonstrated wildfire risk reduction benefits.
✅ Alignment with existing wildfire prevention plans.
✅ Project feasibility and sustainability.
✅ Cost-effectiveness and funding match (if applicable).
Priority will be given to projects benefiting communities that rank Medium to Very High Risk in all four categories (risk to homes, wildfire likelihood, vulnerable populations, and risk reduction zones) on wildfirerisk.org.
This is a one-year project opportunity. Project proposals must demonstrate that they are shovel-ready (immediately implementable) and able to be completed by May 31, 2026.
Application Process
Application Period: Opens 5/1/2025, closes 5/21/2025.
Review Process: Applications will be reviewed for completeness and alignment with program priorities.
Award Notification: Selected applicants will be notified by 6/15/2025.
Grant Agreements Executed: No work may begin until the grant agreement is fully signed.
Compliance & Reporting
All projects must comply with Hawai'i's environmental and safety regulations.
No reimbursable work may begin before final grant approval.
Quarterly progress reports and a final report are required.
Audits may be conducted to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
Contact Information
For more information, application materials, and assistance, please contact grantprograms@hawaiiwildfire.org