Grants worth $7 million intended for wildfire preventive measures are available for communities in Northern Colorado.
Colorado State Announces Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) has announced the availability of $7.04 million in funding through the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grant program. The program aims to reduce wildfire risk to homes, infrastructure, and water supplies, and promote healthier, more resilient forests.
Eligible organizations for the FRWRM grant program include local non-profits, utilities, fire protection districts, community groups, and possibly tribal organizations that align with the program’s goals. Applications for the grants are open from August 1 to October 9, 2025, and all applications must be submitted electronically to a local CSFS Field Office by 5 p.m. on October 9, 2025.
The grants can fund both on-the-ground fuel reduction work and capacity-building efforts such as hiring staff and creating project plans. Protecting community water supplies is a priority that may be considered in the grant selection process.
Proposals that align with local fire risk reduction policies will receive preference. Additional preference will be given to proposals that leverage outside funding sources. Using Colorado Youth or Veterans Corps labor is a factor that may increase the chances of a proposal being selected.
A technical advisory panel will review proposals, and funding decisions will be announced by March 31, 2026. The program operates on a competitive, cost-share basis, implying applicants must share some project costs. Matching contributions from recipients may be in cash or in-kind services.
The grants are focused on reducing wildfire risk, enhancing forest health, and using woody biomass products. Projects must align with county-level wildfire mitigation plans and can take place on private, municipal, state, or county forestlands.
Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the Colorado State Forest Service, stated that "Colorado communities are essential partners in protecting homes, infrastructure, and lives from wildfire."
More details and application materials can be found at csfs.colostate.edu. The FRWRM grant program was established by Colorado Senate Bill 17-050 in 2017 and expanded in 2021 to increase scope and funding.
References:
- Colorado State Forest Service, FRWRM Grant Program details (https://csfs.colostate.edu/grants/forest-restoration-wildfire-risk-mitigation/)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, similar grant eligibility for context (https://cpw.state.co.us/partners-outdoors-grant)
- Eligible organizations in northern Colorado, such as Fort Collins-based non-profits and community groups, can apply for the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant program.
- The grant program, which operates on a competitive, cost-share basis, is focused on reducing wildfire risk in Colorado, enhancing forest health, and using woody biomass products.
- Proposals that align with local fire risk reduction policies, leverage outside funding sources, and utilize Colorado Youth or Veterans Corps labor may increase the chances of selection.
- Applications for the grants, which can fund both on-the-ground fuel reduction work and capacity-building efforts, are open from August 1 to October 9, 2025, and all applications must be submitted electronically to a local CSFS Field Office by 5 p.m. on October 9, 2025.
- The program, established by Colorado Senate Bill 17-050 in 2017 and expanded in 2021 to increase its scope and funding, aims to promote healthier, more resilient forests and protect community water supplies from wildfire risk.
- Colorado State University's Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) announced the availability of $7.04 million in funding for this program, which targets the environmental science, finance, and energy industries, among others, to combat climate-change-induced wildfire risks and contribute to the overall health of northern Colorado's ecosystems.
