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 increase and strengthen the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) overall initial-attack fire suppression capabilities on forest fires.
Annual timeline
| May 1 | Application period opens |
|---|---|
| July 1 | Last day to submit applications |
| Oct. 1 | DNR sends out award packets |
| Oct. 15 | Last day to return signed grant agreement and W9 |
| March 1 | Recommended deadline for ordering eligible items |
| April 15 | Last day to submit grant reimbursement requests |
Eligibility
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) Rev 01/2022. Note that MOU payment rates have specific requirements, including payment rates. Please contact Cooperative Fire Specialist, Ron Schneider, with any questions about the MOU.
County/area fire associations must have a majority of the fire department members serving organized forest fire control areas designated by the DNR.
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 -
Eligibility List (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
The DNR now allows for the purchase of non-P25 Radios under the FFP Grant program. Applicants are still limited to a maximum of 4 radios (any number combination of mobile or portable), but they can be either P25 or non-P25 radios. Radios must still include county fire and appropriate mutual aid frequencies including Fireground Blue. Costs for radios are still limited to $2,500 per radio ($1,250 grant funds). Costs over $2,500 are paid out of pocket by the applicant. NOTE, You MUST list the make and model of the radios that will be purchased in the Project Description section of the application and an accurate estimate of the radio cost in the Budget section of the application.
Prioritized Funding Categories
- 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)
Unique Entity ID (UEI) Requirement
A federal Unique Entity ID (UEI) is required to apply for and receive an FFP grant. You MUST provide your new Unique Entity ID on the Forest Fire Protection Grant Application. If you do not already have a UEI, register for one at www.sam.gov. Entities must renew UEI registration annually in the System for Award Management (SAM).
UEI Resources:
Apply
Application materials
Applications accepted May 1 through July 1.
Application materials will be available on this page prior to May 1, 2027.
- FFP Eligibility List (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
Application Deadline
The current version of FFP Grant Application must be signed and submitted to DNRFFPGRANTPROGRAM@wisconsin.gov by July 1.
Ordering From DNR's Forestry Equipment Research and Development Center Stockroom
Fire departments can choose to purchase equipment from the DNR's Forestry Equipment Research and Development Center catalog, but it is not a requirement of the FFP Grant Program. If your department chooses to order FFP eligible items through the Forestry Stockroom, the ordering deadline is March 15th. There are no exceptions. Please note that ordering and paying for items through the LeMay Stockroom is a separate process from the FFP grant program reimbursement request submittal requirement.
- FFP Eligible Items Stockroom Catalog - Note: Visit the Online Stockroom for pricing information.
Wisconsin DNR UTV/ATV Safety Classes
The Wisconsin DNR ATV/UTV Safety Classes are the only eligible UTV/ATV safety classes for FFP reimbursement. To be eligible for reimbursement of 50% of class costs, the class must be paid for and completed before the April 15th grant reimbursement request submittal deadline. A copy of the safety certificate and invoice for the class cost must be submitted for each person taking the class with your reimbursement request. No exceptions.
Reference materials
- DNR Fire Response Units (FRU) Map
- DNR Forestry Contacts
- Fire Department Wildland Fire Training
- FFP Prevention Flyer
- 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)
Awards and Reimbursement
Award materials
Award recipients will receive their FFP Grant Award Packets in the US Postal mail on or before October 1. Carefully review the categories and award amounts. Your project may not have received full funding for all categories requested in your submitted application. Review the Grant Agreement and Terms & Conditions in detail to confirm the total award of your FFP grant. Your authorized official must sign and date the Grant Agreement.
By the October 15 deadline, email a copy of the accepted agreement and a completed W-9 form to DNRFFPGRANTPROGRAM@wisconsin.gov. Failure to return these documents by the deadline will result in a cancelled grant.
Grant award resources
- FFP Eligibility List (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
- W-9 Form
- Debarment Form (AD-1047)
- Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants
- Sample - Class 1 Public Notice (for purchase of a skid unit)
- Smokey Bear Guidelines
Reimbursement materials
To receive grant funds, you must submit a complete reimbursement request using the form below, along with proof of payment invoices and payment information. As soon as your merchandise is ordered, paid for and in-hand, you can submit a complete reimbursement request for grant payment.
The final deadline to submit a complete reimbursement request to the DNR is April 15th. This means that by this date, your grant eligible items are ordered, paid for and in-hand, AND your complete reimbursement request is submitted to the DNR.
Order your items early to avoid grant cancellation. There are no exceptions for late submittals. Failure to submit a complete reimbursement request by the final April 15th deadline will result in a cancelled grant and no reimbursement of costs.
Submit complete FFP Reimbursement Requests to: DNRFFPGRANTPROGRAM@wisconsin.gov.
The following four steps must be completed prior to April 15th:
- Order and receive grant eligible items.
- Obtain invoice(s) from supplier(s).
- Pay invoice(s) and record payment information.
- Submit FFP Grant Reimbursement Request, DNR Form 4300-120 with all required documentation.
- This form must be filled out completely, including a list of all reimbursable items.
- This form must be signed.
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