The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program under funding opportunity number L25AS00097 focuses on reducing wildfire risks, mitigating hazards, and strengthening local community resilience. This initiative supports fuels management and community fire assistance activities in line with federal priorities to combat climate change and create sustainable landscapes and communities. The program aligns with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund wildfire risk reduction and ecological restoration projects. Its key objectives include supporting hazardous fuels reduction projects, creating fire-adapted communities, and promoting wildfire education and outreach programs.

The total program funding is estimated at $999,000, with a maximum award ceiling also set at $999,000 and a minimum award floor of $10,000. BLM expects to issue up to 20 awards. No cost sharing is required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments, public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

The program’s goals center on completing fuels management activities on both federal and non-federal lands, developing and implementing fire education and community action plans, and conducting wildfire protection planning and assessments. It emphasizes the development of monitoring and maintenance plans to ensure long-term project success and aims to create economic opportunities by expanding local workforce capabilities.

Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov no later than February 17, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The application must include standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a project narrative, and a detailed budget justification. The project narrative should outline the statement of need, goals, objectives, methods, and anticipated outcomes while demonstrating public benefit and alignment with BLM priorities. If applicable, compliance with environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act must be addressed.

Applications will undergo eligibility, merit, and risk reviews. Proposals will be evaluated based on the technical approach, public benefit, qualifications of key personnel, and ability to meet program objectives. Budgets will be reviewed to ensure costs are reasonable and appropriate for the scope of work. Projects are expected to start on August 1, 2025, and can run through July 31, 2030, with a project duration of up to 60 months.

BLM encourages applicants to collaborate with local program leads to discuss project eligibility before submission. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Thelma Mosley at **tmosley@blm.gov**.