Virginia Department
of Forestry

Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grants are made available to organized communities through the federal funding of the National Fire Plan to help at-risk communities reduce, or mitigate, potential threats from wildfire. Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) completed a Wildfire Risk Assessment of the entire state to better assess the level of wildfire risk for the 4000+ individual, at risk, WUI communities identified in the Commonwealth. The next step is to take positive actions to reduce or mitigate the hazards identified. Grant priority is based on the assessed wildfire risk level for the community and for the type of project being submitted.

Funding Requirements

All grants are a 80-20 match grant. For example, if you apply for a $1,000 grant, the community must be prepared to spend $200 or provide volunteer services that amount to $200 to receive a reimbursement of $1,000. The match does not need to be a cash match, it can be in volunteer time. Proposals may request up to $9,999. Invoices and appropriate forms/documents will be required prior to reimbursement. You can apply for a variety of mitigation projects that will reduce the risk to wildfires. The community must have had a wildfire risk assessment conducted within the previous five years and be working towards being recognized in the Firewise USA program administered by the NFPA.

Eligible Projects

The following are the types of hazard mitigation projects that will be considered for assistance:

• Completion of an updated community wildfire hazard assessment
• GIS mapping of at-risk communities
• Individual home wildfire hazard assessments
• Consulting services to conduct a community assessment or complete an Emergency Action Plan with the coordination of a Virginia Department of Forestry Firewise specialist
• Mechanical removal or reduction of a hazard fuels
• Development or improvement of existing firebreaks
• Fuel treatments to increase a community’s defensible space
• Dry hydrants or other water source improvements to upgrade community water resources
• Signage to identify roads and residences
• Non-promotional wildland/urban interface education and safety materials that will be used within the community
• Leasing or contracting equipment and other resources to complete an eligible project
• Other mitigation activities that are recognized on the Firewise Virginia – Formal Community Assessment form or projects formally recommended by a Virginia Department of Forestry Firewise specialist

Maintenance

The community will be responsible for general maintenance of the project site for the longevity of the project.

Who is Eligible

Organized communities may apply.

To Apply

Application Deadline

Continuous sign-up

Applications are accepted via the System Access Portal for Forestry Grants. DOF reserves the right to reject and approve partial funding for any and all proposals. This is a reimbursement grant.

System Access Portal for Forestry Grants

View the user guides provided in the Resource Library below for help with registering for an account and submitting an application.

A variety of financial assistance programs exist through DOF and partner agencies for wildfire preparation and suppression, as well as forest management activities.

Explore All Financial Assistance Programs

Additional Resources

Image	Title	ID	Description	Content Type	View	hf:tax:document-category	hf:tax:Media
	Forestry Grant Program -Time and Activity Log for Staff and Volunteers	3.26		Form	View	finance financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance urban-and-community-forestry	form
	System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Contract Signing		System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of forestry grants. This guide assists with contract signing.	User Guide	View	finance financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-response forest-management	user-guide
	System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Filing a Claim		System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of forestry grants. This guide assists with filing a claim.	User Guide	View	finance financial-assistance	user-guide
	System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Registration User Guide		System Access Portal User Guide for registering to use the grants system.	User Guide	View	financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry finance fire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestry	user-guide
	System Access Portal for Forestry Grants User Guide – Requesting a Contract Amendment		System Access Portal User Guide for application and administration of forestry grants. This guide assists with requesting a contract amendment.	User Guide	View	finance financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-response forest-management	user-guide
	Virginia Department of Forestry Grants – Frequently Asked Questions		Document answers the most common questions asked about forestry grants, including application requirements, qualifying expenses, reimbursements and other how do I… questions.	Document	View	finance financial-assistance financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry fire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestry	document

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