2026 Micro-Grant Awards

May 6

The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council (MCFSC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Micro-Grant Program, highlighting local leaders stepping up to strengthen wildfire preparedness and community resilience across the county. This year, a total of $122,500 will support seven fire agencies, six Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils, and one Firewise Community as they carry forward critical, community-driven work.

These groups represent the backbone of local wildfire readiness. Through strong organization and collaboration, they are turning ideas into community action! Funded projects will reduce hazardous fuels, expand water resources, strengthen emergency communications through radio systems, support home hardening, and provide neighbors with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare for wildfire.

Grant awards ranged from $2,000 to $12,500, with many projects leveraging significant in-kind contributions, including volunteer labor and donated materials, multiplying the impact of every dollar.

This program was made possible through funding from the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, along with a generous $40,000 contribution from the Mendocino County Fire Chiefs Association.

Albion–Little River Fire Department: Complete installation of water storage tanks.
Anderson Valley Fire Department: Purchase radios and equipment to support prescribed burning operations.
Blue Rock Fire Safe Council: Conduct fuel reduction along a shared one-way ingress/egress route.
Covelo Fire Department: Equip a new fire engine with tools for wildland firefighting.
Leggett Fire Department: Purchase radios to improve communication capabilities.
Long Valley Fire Department: Continue conducting defensible space assessments for residents.
Mariposa Institute Fire Safe Council: Host a chainsaw safety and training workshop.
Mendocino Fire Department: Install water tank fittings on residential tanks for fire department use.
Pine Mountain Firewise: Replace flammable wooden siding on a shared water resource building to improve ember resistance.
Point Arena Fire Safe Council: Purchase weed wrenches for a community tool trailer and host Firewise events to educate residents.
Redwood Valley–Calpella Fire Department: Purchase two floating pumps.
Round Valley Fire Safe Council: Create evacuation preparedness magnets for residents.
Tomki Fire Safe Council: Establish Zone 0 defensible space around homes.
Westport Fire Safe Council: Conduct defensible space assessments for residents.