CAL FIRE is now accepting applications for the Forest Health Program Grants for Fiscal Year 25–26.
This program supports landscape-scale forest management projects designed to improve forest resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance long-term climate and watershed benefits across California’s forestlands. The program addresses the increasing risks to California’s forests from catastrophic wildfires, drought, pest outbreaks, and changing climate conditions.
Program Priorities. CAL FIRE is seeking projects that advance forest and watershed resilience through activities such as:
- Forest fuels reduction, including thinning, mastication, and fuel break creation
- Prescribed fire and cultural burning
- Reforestation and post-wildfire restoration
- Pest management and forest health treatments
- Biomass utilization and development of beneficial wood product markets
- Forest watershed, riparian, and meadow restoration
- Tribal land stewardship and cultural resource management practices
Projects should emphasize integrated, landscape-scale treatments and partnerships that enhance forest health, protect water resources, increase long-term carbon storage, and reduce wildfire risk.
Funding Sources. This solicitation includes two parallel funding opportunities.
- Proposition 4 – California Climate Bond, supporting forest restoration and wildfire resilience projects.
- California Climate Investments – Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, supporting forest management projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase long-term carbon storage.
Applicants interested in being considered for both funding sources must submit separate applications for each solicitation.
Key Details
- Pre-Application (Concept Proposal) Deadline: March 30, 2026, by 3:00 PM PDT
- Full Proposal Deadline (by invitation): June 8, 2026, by 3:00 PM PDT
- Typical Grant Size: $1 million – $8 million
- Project Duration: Projects must be completed by January 31, 2031
- Match Requirement: cost share or match encourage.
Please see the Forest Health Program Grant Guidelines for full details on eligibility, project requirements, and the application process.