Mendocino County Fire Safe Council Micro-Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Mendocino County, California

Funding Amount: At least $100,000 distributed annually; grants range from $2,000 to $12,500

Focus Areas:
The program supports community-led wildfire preparedness and resilience projects including:

• Water tank installation and emergency water sources
• Invasive broom and fuel reduction
• Reflective address signage
• Home hardening and defensible space assessments
• Radio and communication equipment purchases
• Bulk materials for home hardening
• Prescribed burn initiatives
• Emergency alert systems
• Fire equipment purchases (fire engines, Knox Locks, thermal imaging drones, etc.)
• Wildfire safety education and community organizing

Eligible Applicants:

• Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils (NFSCs) established prior to March 1, 2026
• Firewise Communities established prior to March 1, 2026
• Local fire agencies in Mendocino County

Key Requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership and relevant experience
• Projects must advance wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and long-term resilience
• Preference given to projects incorporating volunteer time and collaboration
• Projects should produce shareable outcomes (photos, stories, quotes)
• All funded projects must be completed by March 30, 2027

Funding Sources:

• PG&E Corporation Foundation ($50,000 annually)
• Measure P (ten-year quarter-cent sales tax approved in 2022)
• Mendocino County Fire Safe Council general funds
• Community donations and membership

Program History:

• 2022: First year, $50,000 awarded to 11 organizations
• 2023: $104,000 awarded (includes $50,000 matching from PG&E Corporation Foundation)
• 2024-2025: Continued annual awards exceeding $100,000
• Total to date: Over $287,000 awarded to 45 different grantees (19 fire departments, 26 Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils)

Contact Information:

• Eva King, Outreach Coordinator
• Email: king@firesafemendocino.org
• Phone: (707) 518-3088 or 707-462-3662
• Mailing Address: Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, P.O. Box 263, Ukiah, CA 95482
• Website: firesafemendocino.org/micro-grants

Application Process

Application Window:

• Opens: March 1 annually
• Closes: March 31 annually
• Award announcements: By April 30
• Project completion deadline: March 30 of following year

How to Apply:

1. Review the Micro-Grant Guidelines prior to applying
2. Complete the application form (described as straightforward and accessible, not heavy-lift)
3. Submit application during the March 1-31 window
4. Await award announcements by April 30
5. Complete funded project by March 30 of following year

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Project description demonstrating how it advances wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and long-term resilience
• Evidence of strong leadership and relevant experience
• Plans for incorporating volunteer time and collaboration
• Description of shareable outcomes (photos, stories, quotes that highlight community impact)

Application Support:

• Technical assistance available from Eva King
• Applicants encouraged to brainstorm projects with staff
• Guidelines and application forms available on website

Contact for Questions:

• Eva King: king@firesafemendocino.org or (707) 518-3088

Download Materials:

• Guidelines and application forms available at: https://www.firesafemendocino.org/micro-grants