2026 Nevada Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Funding

April 10th, 2026

The Living With Fire Program invites communities across Nevada to apply for funding to support local, on-the-ground wildfire risk reduction projects.

Living With Fire has been awarded $10,000 to support participation in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in Nevada. This national initiative is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) in partnership with State Farm®.

Funding Details

Total funding available: $10,000
Grant awards:
- Three (3) grants of $2,500
- Five (5) grants of $500
Application deadline: April 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Funding distribution: On or around the first week of May 2026, pending completion of UNR supplier registration
Project completion deadline: September 25, 2026

Special emphasis: Projects that support or align with Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 2, 2026)

Application Form

Applications are currently closed.

Who Should Apply

This funding opportunity supports community-based wildfire risk reduction projects located in Nevada. Eligible applicants include:

Community groups
Homeowner or Property Owner Associations (HOAs/POAs)
Firewise Communities
Tribal governments or organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Local governments
Schools
Other organized groups implementing projects in shared or public spaces

Projects should benefit multiple residents or homes and prioritize hands-on actions, especially within Zone Zero (0–5 feet from structures).

Please note:
This funding is not intended for individual homeowners to complete work on a single private residence. Projects must serve multiple homes, residents, or shared community spaces.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

Be able to fully expend funds by September 25, 2026
Be registered in the UNR Supplier and Payment Registration System by April 24, 2026
- Note: Registration may take several business days. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Use funds for physical, on‑the‑ground projects that reduce wildfire risk to people and property, such as:
- Creating defensible space
- Clearing brush or hazardous vegetation
- Conducting community clean‑up days
- Installing fire‑resistant landscaping
- Improving emergency access routes
Commit to:
- Taking before, during, and/or after photos of the project
- Submitting a brief written summary of work completed

UNR Supplier and Payment Registration

Applicants must be registered with the University of Nevada, Reno Supplier and Payment Registration System by April 24, 2026 in order to receive funds.

How to register:

1. Visit the UNR Supplier Registration page and select “Register a New Account”:
  https://www.bcnpurchasing.nevada.edu/for-suppliers/supplier-payment-registration/
Follow the step‑by‑step instructions in the registration guide:
https://www.bcnpurchasing.nevada.edu/media/qepbasvm/sreg-guide.pdf

2026 Funding Focus: Zone Zero (0–5 Feet)

The 2026 national campaign emphasis is on actions residents can take immediately around structures—specifically within the first five feet, also known as the Ember‑Resistant Zone or “Zone Zero.”

Research shows that reducing combustible materials in Zone Zero plays a critical role in preventing home ignition during wildfires. Grant‑supported projects should focus on education and/or hands‑on actions that address this high‑impact area, such as:

Removing flammable materials near structures
Improving landscaping practices adjacent to buildings
Supporting neighborhood or community clean‑up efforts near homes

Scoring Criteria

Criteria	Description	Score Range
Project Relevance	Clearly addresses wildfire risk reduction (e.g. defensible space, brush clearing, access improvements).	0–5
Feasibility	Project appears achievable by Sept. 25, 2026 with clear, realistic plans and use of funds.	0–5
0-5 ft Zone	Demonstrates how the project will reduce wildfire ignition risks in the immediate 5-ft zone around homes.	Yes = 5 No = 0
Community Impact	Demonstrates benefit to the broader community and encourages community involvement.	0–5
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Tie-In	Strong connection to Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 2, 2026) and plans to take action that day or promote it.	Yes = 2 No = 0
Neighborhood Ambassador/Firewise Leader	Applicant is part of a Firewise group or is a Fire Adapted Nevada Neighborhood Ambassador.	Yes = 1 No = 0
Equity Consideration	Project area is located wholly or partially in a low‑income community (wildfirerisk.org).	Yes = 2 No = 0

About Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages residents, neighborhoods, and organizations in wildfire‑prone areas to take action to reduce wildfire risk. The campaign is held annually on the first Saturday in May in the United States and Canada and highlights locally led, practical projects that help communities better prepare for wildfire.

In 2026, Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to plan projects that take place on May 2, 2026, promote the day locally, and register their projects on the national NFPA Preparedness Day map.

Learn more and access campaign tools:

Main campaign page: https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Wildfire-Community-Preparedness-Day [nfpa.org]

Campaign resources & toolkit: https://www.nfpa.org/events/wildfire-community-preparedness-day#campaign-resources

Questions?

Reach out to Living With Fire at lwf@unr.edu