On February 25, 2026, Environmental Protection Agency hosted an information session for states, federally recognized Tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies, and public and private non-profit organizations interested in applying for a 2026 Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant. During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the application process. 

The webinar recording is now posted on the funding opportunity webpage along with the slides from the webinar. Questions and answers from the webinar have also been added to the current Questions and Answers document at the bottom of the webpage. 

Background 

On January 30, 2026, EPA announced over $13.5 million in available funding for states, federally recognized Tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies, and public and private non-profit organizations through the 2026 Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program. EPA anticipates awarding approximately eight to 11 grants, ranging from $350,000 to $2,500,000. Grant recipients will have up to three years to complete their projects, which should align with Clean Air Act requirements for funding use. Examples of acceptable projects include:  

• Smoke readiness planning. 

• Outreach and training for smoke readiness. 

• Indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring. 

• Deployment of portable air cleaners. 

• Identification and preparation of cleaner air shelters. 

• Significant improvements to buildings, such as upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units or systems, and weatherization. 

EPA’s Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program supports activities that enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness and reduce indoor exposures to pollutants in wildfire smoke. The program aims to prioritize projects in communities that have a demonstrated wildfire smoke risk and targets public buildings or buildings that serve the public. 

Apply here for the 2026 Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grants. Applications are due April 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Questions about the application process can also be submitted to WildfireSmokeGrants@epa.gov through April 8, 2026. 

Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program.