Wawanesa Insurance has announced it will offer $150,000 in Community Wildfire Prevention Grants to help Canadian communities mitigate the threat of wildfires.
The initiative is being conducted in partnership with FireSmart Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), with a grant application deadline set for November 29, 2024.
As reported by Wawanesa Insurance, the Community Wildfire Prevention Grants are part of its broader Climate Champions Program, which provides $2 million annually to support climate change mitigation efforts.
Ten organizations will be selected to receive up to $15,000 each to support wildfire prevention projects in their local areas.
Jackie De Pape Hornick, Director of Communications & Community Impact at Wawanesa, highlighted the necessity of the funding in light of the recent wildfire season, which has raised increased concerns about climate change.
De Pape Hornick said: “This summer’s devastating wildfire season was another stark reminder of the growing concern over climate change and its profound impact on the environment.
“As a mutual insurer, we have a critical role to play in protecting our communities.
“By providing local organizations with the support needed to proactively implement wildfire prevention measures, Wawanesa is helping build a safer, healthier, more sustainable future.”
The grants are targeted at organizations aiming to implement wildfire risk reduction programs, ensuring communities are better prepared for future wildfire threats.
This marks the third consecutive year that Wawanesa has offered the Community Wildfire Prevention Grants.
Previous grant recipients have included rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, residents’ associations, and volunteer fire departments.
Funds distributed through this program have supported various wildfire prevention efforts, such as vegetation management, community risk assessments, public awareness campaigns, and education initiatives.
These activities have helped local communities take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks.
All applications for the 2024 Community Wildfire Prevention Grants will be evaluated by a committee comprising experts from Wawanesa, FireSmart Canada, and ICLR.
The grant recipients will be announced in March 2025.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to visit Wawanesa’s website to review the project eligibility and application criteria.
The grants aim to empower local groups working on the front lines of wildfire prevention and climate change adaptation in their communities.
Wawanesa Insurance is offering $150,000 in Community Wildfire Prevention Grants to support Canadian communities in mitigating wildfire risks.
The program, in partnership with FireSmart Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, is part of Wawanesa’s broader Climate Champions Program.
Ten organizations will receive up to $15,000 each, with the application deadline set for November 29, 2024.
Previous grant recipients include rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, and volunteer fire departments.
The grants fund activities like vegetation management and community education on wildfire risks.
Recipients will be announced in March 2025.
