Applications for the 2026 Community Directed Grant Program are open from March 23rd until May 11th.
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 or recovery in high-fire risk areas in Southern California Edison’s service area.
We prioritize projects that strengthen community resilience and support healthy landscapes. This includes efforts to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health, or increase the local resource capacity needed to protect our communities and natural resources from high-severity fire.
Eligible projects should fall into one of the following categories:
- Wildfire Mitigation and Preparedness Efforts
- Firefighting Infrastructure & Equipment
Application Details
Available Project Funding
- 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: Mar 23, 2026
- Application Closes: May 11, 2026
- Award Notifications: May 28, 2026
- Grant Agreements Issued: May 29, 2026
- Signed Grant Agreements Due: Jun 5, 2026
- Project Close Out/ Final Report Due: Nov 15, 2026
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants include Tribes, Fire Safe Councils, FireWise Communities, Fire Protection Districts, Fire Departments, Community Service Districts, Homeowner Associations, and non-profits.
- Projects must be located within SCE’s service area in Inyo or Mono Counties. If you are unsure, please confirm that residents pay SCE for electricity in the project area and check this Service Area Map.
- Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible.
- Previous recipients are welcome to apply but are not guaranteed funding.
Fiscal Sponsor and Responsibilities
Applicants without tax status allowing them to receive contributed funds (e.g., 501(c)3 organizations or similar) must partner with a fiscal sponsor to manage funds.
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. To see a map and descriptions of previously funded projects, please visit our Project Gallery.
1. Wildfire Mitigation & Preparedness Efforts
Projects that reduce wildfire risk on authorized community or private lands by improving defensible space, strengthening home protection, managing vegetation/green waste, or supporting residents in wildfire preparedness.
Examples:
- Rentals of roll-off dumpsters for green-waste disposal from defensible space creation.
- Purchase of home-hardening materials (e.g., vent covers, metal screens, fire-proof tarps for wood piles).
- High-visibility residential address signs and community education signage.
- Clearing brush and limbing trees to improve emergency access and evacuation routes.
2. Firefighting 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.
- Firefighting tools and other essential field equipment.
- Communication upgrades including radios, pagers, or community alert systems.
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 evaluated by a panel of experts on a 1–5 scale based on the following criteria:
- Community Wildfire Safety: Effectiveness in reducing wildfire risk to homes, residents, or neighborhoods.
- Neighborhood, Ecosystem, or Resource Benefits: Measurable improvements to the surrounding environment, ecosystem health, or local response capacity.
- Clarity and Tangibility of Outcomes: Whether the project has clear, specific, and achievable deliverables within the grant timeline.
Scoring and Selection:
Total scores will guide final funding decisions to ensure the highest-impact projects are selected.
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.
August 31: Mid-Project Progress Report:
- Brief narrative describing progress, accomplishments, and challenges.
- At least 3 photos of work in action (or 1 photo as proof of receipt for equipment).
- Table showing spending to date and remaining planned costs.
November 15: Final Impact Report:
- Brief narrative of final activities and outcomes achieved.
- At least 2 additional photos of the finished project (or 1 photo of equipment in service).
- Final budget table outlining how funds were spent.
Grant application and Submission:
Complete application form by answering all questions and budget section. Submit directly through Adobe Acrobat Sign.
Note: This form does not save your progress. Please complete all sections in one session to avoid losing your work.
For any technical issues with the application process please contact administrator@whitebarkinstitute.org.
If you need direct support, we will be holding virtual office hours on Monday April 13th from 4:00-5:00pm. To join please click the Zoom Link button.