Applications Due April 15, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a new national funding opportunity that is highly relevant for Oregon communities impacted by wildfire smoke. The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program provides $13.58 million nationwide, with individual awards expected to range from $350,000 to $2.5 million and a three-year project period. This opportunity is specifically focused on reducing indoor exposure to wildfire smoke in buildings that serve the public.
What This Grant Supports
Funding is available for projects that improve smoke preparedness and indoor air quality in community buildings. Eligible activities may include:
- Smoke readiness planning
- Deployment of portable or DIY air cleaners
- Indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring
- Establishment of cleaner air spaces or shelters
- HVAC upgrades or filtration improvements
- Weatherization
- Training for facility managers and staff
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- States and local governments
- Federally recognized Tribes
- Public pre-schools and local educational agencies (school districts)
- Public and private nonprofit organizations
Funding Details at a Glance
- Total available nationwide: $13.58 million
- Estimated awards: 8–11 projects
- Award size: $350,000 to $2.5 million
- Project period: Three years
- Cost share: 10% match required (waivers may be available for economically distressed communities)
- Application deadline: April 15, 2026
What Strong Oregon Projects Might Look Like
In Oregon, this funding could support projects such as:
- School districts developing district-wide smoke readiness plans and filtration systems
- Tribal governments establishing cleaner air shelters or installing air monitoring equipment
- Rural community centers improving HVAC systems and preparing clean air rooms
- Regional nonprofits providing technical assistance and smoke preparedness training across multiple facilities
- Public health–led efforts integrating wildfire smoke into multi-hazard planning (including heat and power outages)
Why This Matters for Oregon
Wildfire smoke has become a recurring seasonal challenge across much of the state. Schools close. Public events are canceled. Indoor air quality declines. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. Investments in smoke preparedness are part of broader wildfire resilience. Cleaner air spaces, better filtration, and operational planning strengthen community readiness — not just for smoke, but for overlapping hazards such as extreme heat and public health emergencies.
How Oregon Living With Fire Can Help
Oregon Living With Fire does not administer this grant program. The EPA manages the competition directly. However, we can:
- Help partners think through project concepts
- Support collaboration across agencies and organizations
- Provide wildfire risk context and data framing
- Discuss alignment with broader wildfire resilience strategies
If your organization operates public-serving facilities and has experienced repeated wildfire smoke impacts, this opportunity may be worth exploring. For more information, visit the EPA’s Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings funding announcement.