Project funding applications open for NFPA and State Farm Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Iain Hoey
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$10,000 project funding for Wildfire Community Preparedness day
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm have opened applications for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day project funding for activities planned on Saturday 2 May 2026.
Eligible nonprofit organisations can apply for $10,000 to support wildfire risk reduction projects delivered on the day.
Applications must be submitted by Friday 13 February 2026 to be considered.
NFPA said the initiative is aimed at groups and individuals living in wildfire-prone areas completing projects intended to help make homes and communities safer from wildfire.
What the funding is for
Michele Steinberg, Director of the Wildfire Division at NFPA, said: “Preparedness Day presents an ideal opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day and complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire.
“Funding for the 2026 Preparedness Day campaign supports organizations with thoughtful, community-driven plans that help homeowners take meaningful steps to protect what matters most from the threat of wildfire.”
NFPA said Preparedness Day is designed around science-based steps to reduce or remove potential fire hazards from a home and its immediate surroundings.
It said the steps are intended to help protect against embers and radiant heat from wildfires.
Examples of wildfire risk reduction work
NFPA said typical activities can include simple, low-cost home improvement projects to reduce wildfire exposure.
Examples listed include clearing dead leaves, debris and pine needles from roofs and gutters.
It also cited keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.
Another example given was removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn.
State Farm support for the campaign
Rasheed Merritt, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President, said: “At State Farm, part of our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life.
“State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger, better educated communities.”
Merritt said Preparedness Day aims to motivate people to take action, and he said that was why State Farm continues to support the campaign each year.
What this means for wildfire prevention planning
Fire and rescue chiefs, emergency and disaster response managers and local government departments may use the May 2026 date as a fixed point for coordinating community-facing wildfire risk reduction activity.
Fire safety officers, risk assessors and fire engineering consultants may see applications that reference practical measures around ember exposure and heat, based on the examples NFPA set out for work around homes and immediate surroundings.
Procurement officers and facility managers responsible for community sites may need to align any support offered to local nonprofits with the $10,000 project funding limit and the Friday 13 February 2026 application deadline.
Training officers and instructors involved in public education may also use the campaign framing to support consistent messaging about specific, low-cost actions that can be completed in a single day.