The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 is funded by the U.S. Forest Service under Public Law 117-58. This grant is designed to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes in planning and mitigating wildfire risk. It aligns with the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, supporting resilient landscapes, fire-adapted communities, and effective wildfire response. The funding opportunity applies specifically to the Northeast-Midwest States, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations in this region may apply under this NOFO or their specific funding notice.

The CWDG Program provides funding for planning and mitigation activities that reduce wildfire hazards and improve community resilience. Eligible project types include Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) development or revision, planning activities, wildfire prevention and mitigation education, and hazardous fuel reduction and fire-adapted ecosystem restoration. CWPP development projects require a 10% match, while other planning and mitigation activities require a 25% match. However, underserved communities, Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Pacific Islands may request a match waiver.

Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, special district governments, and state agencies. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Projects must be located on non-federal lands, except for Trust lands held for Native American Tribes and individuals. The proposed activities must be aligned with State Forest Action Plans and the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy.

The application process requires registration on SAM.gov and submission through grants.gov. Applications must include a detailed project description, budget breakdown, collaborative partnerships, anticipated landscape impacts, and sustainability plans. Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale, evaluating project feasibility, impact on wildfire risk, involvement of low-income communities, and disaster-affected areas. Applications that demonstrate alignment with wildfire hazard reduction strategies and prioritize community protection will be given preference.

The deadline for submission is March 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their state forestry contacts early in the application process. For additional information, applicants may contact Ray Parrish (raymond.j.parrish@usda.gov, 414-323-0859) or refer to their respective state forestry agencies.