Wawanesa's Community Wildfire Prevention Grants
Supporting community wildfire prevention is one of the ways Wawanesa Insurance is helping to build a safer, more sustainable future for our communities. We have partnered with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and FireSmart Canada™ to offer $150,000 in grant funding to help communities across Canada increase their resilience to wildfires through risk reduction or prevention activities.
Recipients of our inaugural Community Wildfire Prevention Grants are listed below.
Our grant application process will resume in the fall of 2023. Find out more about project eligibility and criteria.
Together, we can help build safer more sustainable communities.
Steps to apply
1) Letter of support
Prepare a signed letter as proof of endorsement from your local fire department.
2) Budget document
Include a completed budget that meets funding requirements.
3) Application form
Our grant application process will resume in the fall of 2023.
Firesmart, Intelli-feu and other associated Marks are trademarks of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Application submissions will be evaluated first by a committee of select Wawanesa employees. The shortlist will then be judged by a committee of wildfire prevention subject matter experts from Wawanesa, ICLR and FireSmart™ Canada. This Community Wildfire Prevention Grant program is subject to the Wildfire Prevention Grant program Terms & Conditions. By applying for a grant, all applicants are aware of and accept all of the Community Wildfire Prevention Grant program Terms & Conditions.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete an application?
The application form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Before completing the application, please ensure you have a well thought out project that demonstrates a clear positive impact on your community to reduce the risks of or prevent wildfires. You must also attach a completed Budget Template and a signed letter of endorsement from your local fire department for your application to be considered complete.
Can I start my application form and save it or edit my application at a later date prior to submitting?
No. Once you begin the application form, please be prepared to submit it in its entirety.
What must be included with my application?
Application are considered complete when they include the following:
- Letter of support from your local fire department representative and/or fire chief
- Completed budget document
- Completed application form
Is a letter from my local fire department required?
Yes, this is required as part of the application process. We have provided a template to make this easier for you. This step is required as it helps us validate that the project you’ve proposed is in line with your fire department’s community prevention plans and will not directly conflict with any current initiatives in your community.
How much grant money can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for up to $15,000 per project.
How will the grants be selected?
Application submissions will be evaluated first by a committee of select Wawanesa employees. The shortlist will then be judged by a committee of wildfire prevention subject matter experts from Wawanesa, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and Firesmart Canada.
What activities can the grant be used for?
The grant money is intended to increase community resiliency against the impacts of wildfires. The activities you propose in your project should be aimed at mitigating or preventing damages to your community caused by wildfires.
A detailed breakdown of eligible and ineligible expenses can be found in the downloadable “Budget Template”. For ideas, you can also consult FireSmart’s seven disciplines to help neighbourhoods address the threat of wildfire.
Funding cannot be applied to normal operations of an organization or be in conflict with other partner provided funding programs such those operated by FireSmart Canada or ICLR.
Applicants should also demonstrate a clear need for funding.
Who can apply?
Any of the following applicants may apply:
- Fire Departments
- Municipalities
- Home/Neighborhood associations
- Non-Profit/Charitable Organizations
- Indigenous Communities
- Citizen Groups/Volunteer Community Groups
Applicants may not be any of the following:
- A privately held for-profit company or corporation
- Individual land/property owners requesting a grant specifically for single dwelling or residential property prevention projects
Applications from disproportionally affected communities may be prioritized.
Where can projects take place?
Projects submitted for grant funding must take place within Canada.
What if I still have questions about my application or the application process?
Please contact sustainability@wawanesa.com with any outstanding questions.