Grants and Awards
There are many sources of funding that can potentially support fire prevention activities if you give attention to the objectives of the funder and show them how your organization will help them succeed in their efforts. Fire Prevention projects often include broader elements of environmental management and community cooperation. When applying for funding you can emphasize the potential positive impacts on wildlife, air quality, water quality/erosion prevention, water use, invasive and native plant species, recreation, and of course the protection of homes, cultural resources, and community members. Projects that include collaboration and provide opportunities to youth and community organizations are often the focus of funding opportunities. Some funders, especially government agencies, may have multiple funding opportunities depending on the objectives of their various programs.
Funding programs and links can change from year to year, so be sure to contact potential funding organizations directly for current opportunities and verify that you have reached the official site of an organization before submitting any information. The list below is a sample of organizations and types of organizations that offer funding opportunities for fire prevention or environmentally focused projects. The general categories below are government grant resources, private companies and foundations, and grants and awards that focus on youth and education. This list should give you a place to start as you research current funding opportunities.
Government Grant Resources
Many grant opportunities are available through federal government agencies. These may be focused on specific management areas or offered to a broader range of applicants in the state or nationally through sites like the California Fire Safe Council Grants Clearinghouse or Grants.gov. You can also look for funding opportunities locally by getting to know the local agency representatives and making them aware of your organization’s activities and objectives.
“Grants.gov” This is the location of multiple funding announcements from the federal government.
Bureau of Land Management
California Fire Safe Council Grants Clearinghouse
CAL FIRE
Corporation for National and Community Service
Department of Labor
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal Hwy Administration
National Endowment for the Humanities
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA Rural Energy for America Grants
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self – Determination Act: Title II and III funds
The Nature Conservancy
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Park Service
Private Company or Foundation Grants
When private companies and foundations offer grants they are often focused on community participation and environmental stewardship. There are many opportunities available, especially if you look at organizations and businesses that are active in your area. The categories below are the types of organizations that often have funding opportunities that can support local fire prevention efforts.
Companies producing “green” or high quality products
Conservation organizations
Outdoor gear and clothing companies
Large companies that employ members of the local community
Recreation organizations
Grants and Awards that focus on Youth Action and Education
Working with local youth groups or schools can be an opportunity to provide outreach and also give youth a chance to participate in community service. There are many grants and awards available for youth service work and environmental education. If you are able to work with local fire management professionals and environmental educators, you may be able to develop a program that teaches about safety, fire behavior and ecology, or restoration. If you have a student member of your organization, you may be able to point them toward scholarships and awards based on their community participation and service. The following list is a sample of organizations that have offered funding for youth environmental programs or awards for youth.
Department of Labor: YouthBuild Grant
Disney Friends for Change
Do Something Awards and Seed Grant
Earth Island Institute: Brower Youth Awards
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Google Global Science Fair
Intel Community Grants
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
National Geographic Young Explorers Grants
President’s Environmental Youth Awards
Project Learning Tree: 26 GreenWorks! Grants
Scholastic’s Be Big Fund
Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grant
State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grant Program
USDA Forest Service: Children’s Forests and More Kids in the Woods Challenge Cost Share
Volvo Adventure Awards