Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings | EPA OAR ORIA 25 03

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings (EPA)

What is the name of this EPA grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA OAR ORIA 25 03.

What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 66.044.

What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The core purpose is to help communities reduce indoor exposure to wildfire smoke pollutants by improving how public-facing buildings prepare for, respond to, and limit smoke infiltration during wildfire events. The program emphasizes indoor air protection to reduce public health burdens associated with wildfire smoke, especially during heavy smoke periods when people spend more time indoors and vulnerable groups face higher risks.

What types of buildings or facilities does the program focus on?

The program is focused on community buildings and other facilities that serve the public. The overall expectation is that projects will directly assist public buildings or buildings that serve the public, rather than private residences.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized Tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Are private homeowners or projects focused on private residences eligible?

The opportunity indicates an overall expectation that proposed projects will assist public buildings or buildings serving the public, rather than private residences.

What kinds of activities can be funded under this grant?

The funding supports a wide range of practical preparedness and mitigation activities centered on community buildings and facilities serving the public. Examples described include smoke readiness planning, building-level protocols, outreach and education, training, air quality monitoring, deployment of portable air cleaners, establishing cleaner air spaces or shelters, HVAC upgrades or repairs, and weatherization measures to reduce smoke infiltration while maintaining safe ventilation.

Does the grant support smoke readiness planning and protocols?

Yes. Eligible projects can include smoke readiness planning and the development of building-level protocols to guide actions before and during wildfire smoke events.

Are outreach, education, and training activities allowed?

Yes. Outreach, education, and training efforts are explicitly included as eligible activities, particularly to help staff and the public understand what to do before and during smoke events.

Is air quality monitoring an eligible activity?

Yes. The EPA highlights monitoring as eligible, including indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring that can guide decisions such as when to activate protections, adjust ventilation settings, or open designated cleaner air spaces.

Can applicants propose projects that use portable air cleaners?

Yes. The opportunity includes the deployment of portable air cleaners as an eligible on-the-ground intervention intended to reduce particulate levels indoors.

What are "cleaner air spaces" or shelters in the context of this grant?

They are designated areas or shelters in community-serving buildings that can be identified, established, and prepared so community members have a place to go when smoke conditions are severe. The grant allows work to set up and prepare these spaces.

Are building upgrades and repairs allowed under this funding?

Yes. Substantial building improvements are described as allowable and encouraged when they meaningfully reduce smoke exposure. Examples include upgrading or repairing HVAC units or systems to improve filtration and performance.

Does the program allow weatherization measures?

Yes. Weatherization measures are mentioned as eligible when they help seal buildings and reduce smoke infiltration while maintaining safe ventilation.

Are research and demonstration projects permitted?

Yes. The opportunity contemplates projects that may include research and demonstrations, provided the work clearly supports preparedness and reduces indoor smoke exposure in community-serving settings.

Is technical assistance an allowable component of a project?

Yes. Technical assistance is listed among the types of project components that may be included, as long as it supports smoke preparedness and indoor exposure reduction in community-serving settings.

What is the maximum award amount (ceiling) for a single grant?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $2,500,000.

How many awards does EPA expect to make?

EPA anticipates making about 11 awards.

When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was first posted on January 30, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

What is the program trying to reduce or prevent from a public health perspective?

The program is designed to lessen the overall public health burden linked to wildfire smoke by reducing indoor exposure to wildfire smoke pollutants, with particular importance during heavy smoke periods and for vulnerable groups who face higher risks.

Does the opportunity specify where to find full eligibility and program requirements?

Yes. Applicants are directed to consult Section 2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the full eligibility and program requirements.

What is the overall intent of the opportunity in plain language?

The overall intent is to strengthen smoke preparedness in community buildings so people have safer indoor air during wildfire smoke events.