The 2009 Firewise Community Grants are now available. To download a copy of the application, please click 2009 Firewise Community Grant Application. To assist you in writing a grant proposal, please click Suggested Guidelines for Preparing a Firewise Community Grant for directions on how to properly complete the application.
The Firewise Community grant program provides funding to assist communities in wildland/urban interface areas in reducing their wildfire risk. The grant cycle runs from Sept. 1 through June 30. Grantees must complete project activities and submit receipts and documentation in order to receive reimbursement. Applications are submitted to the division in July and grantees are notified in August.
To view a list of the 2008 Firewise community grant recipients, click 2008 Firewise Community grant recipients.
* Provide cost-share funds for fire mitigation and Firewise activities.
* Foster closer working relationships with fire departments, communities, counties and interested organizations.
* Educate the public about the benefits of the fire mitigation and Firewise programs.
* Reduce the risk and effects of wildfire in wildland/urban interface areas.
* Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for each community.
* All project applicants must provide a match of 20 percent of total project costs with nonfederal or in-kind contributions. Other federal funds cannot be used as a match for this grant.
* Cash purchase matches are direct, out-of-pocket expenditures for eligible project activities that are supported by paid invoices, cancelled checks, signed receipts or official payroll records.
* In-kind contribution matches include on-hand supplies, third-party donations of supplies or equipment, professional services at the professional rate, or time spent by employees, nonfederal grants or volunteers on eligible project activities. Volunteer hours may be applied to the project at rates appropriate to the skill level of the volunteer and/or the nature of the work being performed. Assistance provided by federal employees may not be claimed as match.
* Grantees are required to maintain project records in accordance with all applicable federal regulations. This includes: (1) records shall comply with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) records will document allowable costs; (3) records will be supported by source documentation, such as cancelled checks, paid invoices, payroll records, time and attendance records, signed contracts; and (4) records will be maintained for three years following payment.
* Development of local Firewise Councils or Boards.
* Completion of a community wildfire hazard assessment and CWPP. Click Kentucky Community Wildfire Protection Plans for the most current list of communities that have completed their CWPPs.
* GIS mapping of at-risk communities.
* Consulting services to complete a community wildfire hazard assessment or a community Emergency Action Plan.
* Firewise or fire mitigation activities that follow the intent of the National Fire Plan.
* Firewise or fire mitigation educational activities or materials that can be used to educate the community.
* Signage to identify roads and residences.
* Mechanical removal or reduction of hazardous fuels.
* Firewise or fire mitigation research applicable to Kentucky.
* Fuel treatments that increase a community’s defensible space, which could include the leasing or contracting of equipment and other resources to complete an eligible project.
* Development or improvement of existing fire breaks that provide community mitigation.
