Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program
Forest Fire Protection (FFP) 50% cost-share grants are available to Wisconsin fire departments and county/area fire associations. Grant funding is intended to expand the use of local fire departments to augment and strengthen the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) overall initial-attack fire suppression capabilities on forest fires.
**There have been MANY changes to the eligibility list this year, make sure you take a look BEFORE filling out and submitting an application**
**Due to change in DNR radio repeater systems, a new priority category for radio reprograming for DNR digital communications and monitoring has been created for this years grant cycle**
Annual timeline
May 1 | Application period begins |
---|---|
July 1 | Applications due |
Oct. 1 | Awards announced and grant projects begin |
Oct. 15 | Signed grant agreements due |
April 15 | Grant projects end and reimbursement requests due |
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Wisconsin fire departments must have a signed and executed DNR Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Mutual Aid and Fire Suppression Services (Form 4300-061 R 12/11 or newer) [PDF]. Please reference the current MOU list [PDF].
NOTE: If a fire department does not have an MOU on file, it may still be eligible if an MOU is signed and executed on or before the application deadline date of July 1st.
County/area fire associations must have a majority of the fire department members serving organized forest fire control areas designated by the DNR.
Eligibility
Fire department grant limits
- Minimum grant: $750 ($1,500 total project costs)
- Maximum grant: $10,000 ($20,000 total project costs)
County/area fire association grant limits
- Minimum grant: $5,000 ($10,000 total project costs)
- Maximum grant: $25,000 ($50,000 total project costs)
Eligible expenses - *CHANGES*
Eligibility List [PDF] (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
Prioritized Funding Categories - *(Radio Reprogramming moved to Communication Equipment)*
- Personal Protective Equipment (must meet NFPA 1977 standards)
- Forest Fire Training
- Forest Fire Prevention and Wildland Urban Interface
- Forest Fire Suppression Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials (includes dry hydrant components and supplies for new installations only)
- Communication Equipment for Forest Fire Suppression
- Dry Hydrant Installation (costs such as excavation, site preparation, engine pad and signage)
- Mapping, GPS
- Off-road, all-wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, RTVs, UTVs) up to 5-ton capacity used primarily for forest fire suppression (vehicles limited to individual fire department applicants)
Applying
Application materials
If you are having problems opening forms, please visit our PDF Help page.
If you continue to have problems with forms, please contact the FFP grant manager.
- Grant Application (Form 4300-119) [PDF] - must be signed and submitted by July 1
- Electronic submittals (email and fax) must be received by midnight on July 1
- Paper submittals (mail) must be postmarked by July 1
- **Email submittal is highly encouraged and greatly appreciated**
- Fire Department/DNR MOU for Mutual Aid & Fire Suppression Services (Form 4300-061) [PDF]
- Current MOU List [PDF]
Reference materials
- DNR Fire Response Units (FRU) Map
- DNR Forestry Contacts
- DNR Forestry Equipment R&D Center and Product Catalog, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
- FFP Grant Eligible Items Catalog - Note: Pricing is current as of May 2020. Prices are subject to change.
- Fire Department Wildland Fire Training
- FFP Prevention Flyer
- Eligibility List
- USDA-approved Class A Foams - Only USDA-approved Class A foams are eligible under the FFP grant program. Each of these products will be labeled as USDA-approved on the container. Be cautious of vendor claims of USDA approval without proof.
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200)[exit DNR]
Awards
Award materials
- FFP Grant Procedures
- FFP Grant Award Checklist [PDF]
- W-9 Form [PDF exit DNR]
- Debarment Form (AD-1047) [PDF]
- Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants [PDF]
- Sample - Class 1 Public Notice (for purchase of a skid unit) [PDF]
- Smokey Bear Guidelines [PDF]
Reimbursement materials
If you are having problems opening forms, please visit our PDF Help page.
If you continue to have problems with forms, please contact the FFP grant manager.
- Reimbursement Request (Form 4300-120) [PDF] - must be signed and submitted with proof of purchase (itemized invoices) by April 15
- Electronic submittals (email and fax) must be received by midnight on April 15
- Paper submittals (mail) must be postmarked by April 15
- Trouble downloading forms? See: Troubleshooting tips
Program Grant Awards
Laws
Grant related statutes and administrative codes
Contact
- Contact information
- For additional information about the FFP Grant Program, contact:
- Sandy Chancellor
Grant manager
608-275-3206 - Ron Schneider
Cooperative forest ranger
608-438-6528