California Native American tribes will soon have access to $10 million in new grant funding aimed at strengthening wildfire resilience, restoring forests, and expanding the use of traditional land stewardship practices across the state.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced the opening of its 2026 Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant solicitation, funded through Proposition 4, the California Climate Bond. The program is designed to support tribal-led projects that help reduce wildfire risk while restoring culturally important landscapes and promoting the use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Eligible projects may include cultural and prescribed burning, fuels reduction, forest resilience, restoration of culturally significant ecosystems, training programs, environmental compliance, development of forest and fire management plans, and other wildfire resilience efforts.
According to CAL FIRE, these projects are intended to benefit both Tribal and non-Tribal communities by reducing wildfire risk while supporting healthier forests, improving water resources and air quality, strengthening rural economies, and helping California adapt to a changing climate.
“CAL FIRE is proud to offer Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants, which play a vital role in expanding traditional land stewardship practices to create a healthier and more resilient landscape and help protect communities,” said Chief Eric Huff, CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Natural Resource Management.
Concept proposals will be accepted beginning Wednesday, July 8, and must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Applicants whose concept proposals are selected will be invited to submit full applications later this year, with invitations expected in October and final applications due in December.
Since the program was established in 2023, CAL FIRE has awarded $29 million to 22 Tribal wildfire resilience projects throughout California.
Throughout the application period, CAL FIRE will host online office hours and make staff available to answer questions about the grant process and eligibility requirements.
The Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Program is intended to complement several statewide initiatives, including the California Natural Resources Agency’s Tribal Stewardship Policy, the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, California’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Action Plan, and the Strategic Plan for Expanding the Use of Beneficial Fire.
