Larimer County Opens $10,000 Wildfire Mitigation Grants—Apply by March 9

Larimer County's Community Mitigation Grant program is accepting applications from neighborhood groups for up to $10,000 per project to fund wildfire mitigation before the 2026 fire season. Applications close March 9, with the county prioritizing smaller organizations—rural HOAs, informal neighborhood associations, and road groups.

The program helps community groups pay for defensible space work, evacuation-route improvements, and shared tools—an opportunity to prepare before fire season.

"A grant program for neighborhoods, community groups, and other organizations within Larimer County is available to help with hazard mitigation and resilience," according to Larimer County's January 13 spotlight announcement.

Community groups, nonprofits, and charitable foundations can apply. Smaller community groups and organizations take priority over larger groups in the funding review process.

Eligible projects include forest and roadside fuel treatment, evacuation-route improvements, defensible-space work, slash hauling and chipping, tool libraries, debris removal from waterways, and preparedness education.

The county believes neighborhood-level prep is key to community resilience. "The grant program encourages mitigation and preparation at the neighborhood level, helping communities stay connected. Research has shown that communities that are closely connected are more resilient and better able to recover from emergencies," according to the county announcement.

Since 2022, the county has completed 59 mitigation projects—57 wildfire-focused, three flood-related—awarding $343,000 to 47 recipients. The Board of County Commissioners added $50,000 to the program in 2024, enabling $100,000 in funding across 18 communities that year. In 2025, Larimer County awarded close to $100,000 to 19 different communities.

"This program empowers community members to take action on hazard mitigation projects," according to Larimer County's Office of Emergency Management. Neighborhood groups can explore past projects at the Community Mitigation Story Map (arcg.is/1ieOLb1) for ideas—from slash-chipping days to tool libraries to defensible-space work.

To apply, visit the Community Mitigation Program website at larimer.gov/emergency/community-mitigation-grant-program. Smaller groups have until March 9 to apply.