Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) to help organized communities in the Commonwealth mitigate wildfire risks. Funded through the federal National Fire Plan, the program supports proactive hazard mitigation efforts aimed at protecting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities identified as at-risk in a statewide Wildfire Risk Assessment conducted by the DOF. This assessment evaluated over 4,000 individual communities to determine their vulnerability to wildfire. The current grant initiative builds upon this work by prioritizing funding for projects in communities with the highest assessed risk levels and those aligning closely with program objectives. Funding is structured as a reimbursement grant, requiring a 20% match from the community, which can be fulfilled through cash or in-kind volunteer contributions. The maximum grant request is $9,999. Communities seeking funds must have had a wildfire risk assessment completed within the past five years and must be pursuing formal recognition through the Firewise USA program, administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Applications are reviewed for project relevance and risk level, and DOF may approve full or partial funding. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, community and home-level wildfire hazard assessments, GIS mapping of at-risk areas, consulting services to develop emergency action plans, fuel removal or reduction efforts, firebreak development, defensible space enhancement, installation of dry hydrants or water resource upgrades, improved signage for emergency navigation, educational materials for community awareness, and leasing or contracting necessary equipment. Projects formally recognized by DOF Firewise specialists or listed in the Firewise Virginia Community Assessment form are also considered eligible. Communities awarded funding are responsible for maintaining the completed project over time to ensure continued impact. All funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must submit proper invoices and documentation to receive payment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis via DOF’s online System Access Portal for Forestry Grants. To be eligible, communities must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), obtained through registration with SAM.gov. DOF strongly encourages communities to obtain a UEI in advance to avoid processing delays. Resources to assist with account registration and application submission are available through the program’s Resource Library. The Firewise Virginia grant program is part of a broader suite of financial assistance opportunities coordinated by the DOF and partner agencies aimed at wildfire preparedness, suppression, and long-term forest management. Successful applicants will demonstrate readiness, alignment with mitigation goals, and capacity for follow-through on project maintenance.