Apply now: 2025 Community Directed Grant Program

Applications for the 2025 Community Directed Grant Program are open from February 12th until March 12th.

Background:

Communities in Inyo and Mono counties face critical needs to reduce wildfire risks and thereby protect or restore natural habitats. To support these efforts, Whitebark Institute, with funding from Edison International, is offering a small grant program to support fire prevention and response projects that empower community-driven stewardship and enhance wildfire resilience.  

Programs and projects funded by this opportunity must focus on wildfire prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery in high-fire risk areas in Southern California Edison’s service area. All programs and projects must support the protection or restoration of the environment or an ecosystem, improve forest health, or provide habitat for fish, wildlife or plants.

For examples of 2024 projects: visit the Community Directed Grant Program page.

Eligible projects should fall into one of the following categories: 

• Defensible Space & Home Hardening 

• Fire Prevention Infrastructure & Equipment 

• Wildfire Mitigation & Vegetation Management 

Please see below for more information and eligibility criteria. 

Application Details  

• Maximum funding per project: $5,000. 

• Requests exceeding $5,000 will not be considered. However, requests may be for funds to supplement a project supported by multiple sources. 

• Funding is for specific, tangible projects—not ongoing operational expenses. 

Application Period and Timelines 

Application Opens: Feb 12, 2025 

Applicant Assistance Office Hours: February 24th & 27th, 4:00-5:30pm

Application Closes: Mar 12, 2025  

Award Notifications: Mar 28, 2025 

Project Completion Deadline: Nov 15, 2025 

Examples of Projects Eligible for Funding 

Eligible projects must demonstrate tangible improvements in community wildfire safety and fit into one or more of the following categories.  

1. Defensible Space & Home Hardening 

Projects focused on reducing wildfire risk by improving defensible space and home hardening. 

Examples: 

• Rentals of roll-off dumpsters for green-waste disposal from defensible space creation. 

• Contracts with landscaping professionals for challenging defensible space projects. 

• Purchase of home-hardening materials (e.g., vent covers, metal screens). 

• High-visibility residential address signs and community education signage. 

2. Fire Response Infrastructure & Equipment 

Projects that enhance fire response capacity through infrastructure improvements or equipment upgrades 

Examples: 

• Enhancement of water sources and availability for firefighting. 

• Purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighting teams. 

• Purchase of critical fire department equipment. 

• Upgrade of emergency communication and/or notification systems. 

3. Wildfire Mitigation & Vegetation Management Efforts  

• Projects that focus on reducing the risk of wildfire through vegetation management or related efforts.  
  Examples: 

• Small-scale fuels reduction efforts, including contracts with prescribed-grazing (e.g., goats) professionals. 

• Disassembly of campfire rings in dispersed camping areas.  

Exclusions 

Grant funds cannot be used for: 

• Salaries or administrative costs not directly associated with project completion 

• Ongoing operational expenses. 

• Projects outside of the SCE service area. 

Review process 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts familiar with Eastern Sierra communities and landscapes. Projects will be evaluated based on their potential to: 

• Enhance community wildfire safety. 

• Provide measurable benefits to ecosystem restoration or protection. 

• Demonstrate clear, tangible outcomes. 

Reporting and Photo Requirements 

Each funded project will be required to submit two simple reports during the grant period. Progress reporting templates will be provided to successful applicants and submitted to Whitebark Institute via email.  

1. July 31: Mid-Project Progress Report:  

• A brief narrative describing the progress including accomplishments and challenges 

• At least 3 photos of work in action, including team or community members involved. 

• A budget table outlining how the funds have been planned to be spent. 

2. October 31: Final Impact Report:  

• A brief narrative about the activities and outcomes achieved with the grant, including any key results or data. 

• At least 2 additional photos showing the work in progress and the finished project. 

• A budget table outlining how the funds were spent. 

This grant application requires TWO separate submissions:

1. Completed Application Form – Answer all questions and submit directly through Adobe Acrobat Sign.
2. Budget Template – Download and complete the budget template and submit via email to administrator @ whitebarkinstitute.org with the subject line: “Community Directed Grant Funding – [Project Title] Budget Table”

Both parts must be submitted for your application to be considered complete. Please see below to apply.

For any technical issues with the application submission, contact administrator @ whitebarkinstitute.org

We will be holding virtual office hours to support the application process. Office hours will be held February 24 and 27 from 4:00-5:30pm. Please see below to register for office hours and receive a meeting link.