Frequently Asked Questions - California Fire Foundation Proposition 4 Grant
Who is eligible to apply?
The California Fire Foundation directs support to the following California-based organizations providing services to their communities and throughout the state:
- Fire Departments
- Firefighter Associations
- Tribal Governments and Tribal Nonprofit Organizations
- Nonprofit Organizations (501(c)(3) – Fiscally sponsored projects will need to be submitted with the Fiscal Sponsor as the lead agency.
What is a Firefighter Association?
For this opportunity, a “Firefighter Association” includes a California-based IAFF-affiliated local, or an association or group whose members are personnel of a recognized fire department (including volunteer or paid-on-call members) responsible for extinguishing, preventing, and detecting fires, and enforcing the fire laws of California.
My organization is in the process of receiving its 501(c)(3) designation. Can we still apply?
Yes. Sponsored projects are eligible; however, the Fiscal Agent will need to be the lead applicant for the project.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
When applying, nonprofit organizations will need to upload a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, project budget, and equipment quotes (if applicable). Fire Departments may also need to upload documentation that this application has been approved by department leadership.
What focus areas are supported?
The California Fire Foundation supports projects actively addressing wildfire and other climate-caused disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including:
- Firefighter Health and Safety
- Specialized Firefighting Equipment
- Vegetation and Fuels Management
- Education, Planning, and/or Community Outreach Campaigns
How much funding can my organization request?
Grant awards may be available up to $1,000,000, depending on project scope, readiness and impact.
Do you require matching funds?
No. Matching funds are not required for this cycle.
Can I submit more than one request?
No. Only one grant application per organization, per funding cycle may be submitted. Fire departments and firefighter associations serving the same community may apply separately.
How do I know if our project serves a high fire-threat area?
Refer to the California Public Utilities Commission-adopted fire threat map, which identifies areas of heightened fire risk. Tier 1 areas have an acceptable level of wildfire risk, Tier 2 areas have an elevated risk, and Tier 3 areas have an extreme risk. Also helpful is this run-down of California counties by Tier 2 and Tier 3 fire threat.
How long can the project period be?
Projects are typically expected to be completed within 12 months of receiving funds.
When will I be contacted about the status of my application?
The Proposition 4 Grant Application Cycle is expected to open in March 2026. Funding decisions are typically communicated within 8–10 weeks after the application review period closes. Applicants can track their submission status via the online grants portal.
What happens after my application is submitted?
Applications and related attachments received by the deadline will be reviewed by the California Fire Foundation's grants review team. If additional details are needed to evaluate your proposal, a member of our team will reach out to you directly via the email address we have on file to request follow-up information. Follow-up requests are time-sensitive, and if not responded to in a timely manner, your application will not move forward in the review process.
If my organization is awarded funding, what are our responsibilities as a grantee?
- Submit required grant award materials, including: signed grant agreement and complete W9 using the 2024 form. NOTE: The W9 form must be signed and dated. Section 3a: Nonprofit Organizations, please select “Other” and enter 501(c)(3) for the type of organization.
- Complete the goals and objectives for the project awarded;
- Submit quarterly grant reports documenting project progress, expenditures, and outcomes, in accordance with the California Fire Foundation reporting requirements;
- Immediately update California Fire Foundation's grants management team if any major changes associated with the grant arise (including major changes in project budget, scope of work or timeline);
- Promote funding partnership on your social channel(s) and submit pictures of your grant "in action"; and
- Complete an online end-of-project report
Is the grant reimbursable?
No. If awarded, funding is issued via check after execution of the grant agreement. Grantees must complete a final project report, including financial documentation and impact summary.
Should you apply?
Eligible:
✅ Fire Departments
✅ Firefighter Associations
✅ 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
✅ Tribal Entities
Not Eligible:
❌ Individuals
❌ Private Businesses
❌ Political Campaigns or Lobbying Efforts
❌ Capital Projects
❌ Annual Fundraising Appeals