What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator is a grant funding platform and professional services firm that helps fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, municipalities, and nonprofits find and secure grants — without hiring expensive consultants. It provides AI-powered grant matching, expert grant writing, project planning, and post-award compliance services. The company has helped 500+ public safety agencies secure over $47 million in funding at up to 90% less than traditional consultants.

What types of organizations does Funding Navigator serve?

Funding Navigator serves fire departments (career and volunteer), law enforcement agencies (police and sheriff), EMS and ambulance services, emergency management offices, municipalities and local governments, K-12 schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits across the United States.

What grants does Funding Navigator help with?

Funding Navigator helps organizations secure: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), FEMA SAFER Grant, FEMA BRIC, FEMA HMGP, COPS Office Hiring Program, Byrne JAG, USDA Community Facilities, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), state grants, private foundation grants, congressional earmarks, and more — totaling over $1 trillion in annual funding.

How much does Funding Navigator cost?

Funding Navigator is up to 90% cheaper than traditional grant consultants, who typically charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application. Pricing depends on the services required. A free consultation is available, and organizations can join for free to access the Fund Finder tool.

How does Funding Navigator work?

Funding Navigator works in 3 steps: (1) You describe your project need — building, equipment, staffing, or technology. (2) The platform matches you with the grants you're most likely to win. (3) Expert grant writers guide your team through the application with review at every stage. The process is 80% faster than applying without assistance.

Can volunteer fire departments use Funding Navigator?

Yes. Funding Navigator works with fire departments of all sizes — from small all-volunteer departments to large urban career departments. Volunteer and rural departments often have advantages with FEMA AFG and private grants that prioritize underserved communities.

What is the FEMA AFG grant?

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is one of the most important federal grants for fire departments, providing funding for equipment, vehicles, training, and wellness programs. Funding Navigator has extensive experience helping fire departments apply for and win AFG funding.

What is the SAFER grant?

The FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant helps fire departments hire and retain firefighters. It is one of the largest federal grants available to fire departments. Funding Navigator helps eligible departments navigate the SAFER application process.

Does Funding Navigator help with 501(c)(3) formation?

Yes. Funding Navigator provides full 501(c)(3) nonprofit formation services including Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, IRS Form 1023 application, SAM.gov registration, and DUNS/UEI setup — everything a fire department or public safety organization needs to establish a supporting foundation and access private grants.

What is the average grant size Funding Navigator clients receive?

The average grant secured through Funding Navigator is $209,000. Results vary depending on the project type, organization size, and funding source. Funding Navigator focuses on matching organizations with the highest-value opportunities for their specific needs.

What are congressional earmarks and can Funding Navigator help?

Congressional earmarks (Community Project Funding / Congressionally Directed Spending) are direct funding allocations secured through a U.S. Representative or Senator. In FY2024, over $14.6 billion was allocated through earmarks. Funding Navigator helps organizations identify and pursue earmark opportunities for infrastructure and capital projects.

How is Funding Navigator different from a traditional grant consultant?

Traditional grant consultants charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application and handle one grant at a time. Funding Navigator provides expert writing, matching, and compliance support at up to 90% less cost, while simultaneously pursuing multiple grants — giving clients 24x more applications per year and building long-term funding capacity.

What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator - Find and win the grants your organization needs. Simple tools to discover funding, submit applications, and get expert support every step of the way.

What is the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG)?

CWDG is a federal grant program offering funding for construction, equipment, training, program, and salary costs related to wildfire defense and mitigation. The maximum award is $10,000,000 per applicant.

Do I need a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to apply?

Yes. CWDG requires a formalized Community Wildfire Protection Plan in order to apply. Your plan must have been created or updated within the last 10 years to qualify.

How long is a Community Wildfire Protection Plan valid for?

A completed plan is good for 10 years. You'll likely want to update it over time, but you can do so as needed as long as it stays within that 10-year window for CWDG eligibility.

Am I required to keep notes throughout the process?

Yes — your notes are needed and appreciated. The information you record throughout the process is submitted to our grant specialists at the end, and without it we won't be able to help craft your final plan.

How long does it take to complete this process?

Realistically, this is something to plan to work on over several weeks to several months, depending on the size of your community, the complexity of risk, and whether any parts of your plan may be controversial. A small community with modest needs might move quickly, while a large, populous community could take a year or more.

How does Funding Navigator help create my Community Wildfire Protection Plan?

Our grant specialists support you with expert advice and guidance throughout the process via message or coaching call. When it's time to craft the final plan, our team drafts the document you'll submit for signature(s).

Do you charge contingency or success-based fees?

No. All our services are offered on a flat-fee basis. We never charge contingency fees or success-based compensation tied to award outcomes.

CWDG · Community Wildfire Protection Plans

Unlock millions in wildfire mitigation funding with CWDG.

CWDG requires a formalized Community Wildfire Protection Plan to apply. We take the guesswork out of a complex, multi-stakeholder process — providing clear instructions, expert guidance, and a team that drafts your final plan.

Up to $10,000,000 per applicant for wildfire mitigation construction, equipment, training, program, and salary costs
We build your Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) — the required foundation for a CWDG application
A formalized plan created or updated within the last 10 years is required to apply
Clear, guided process to convene stakeholders, engage agencies, and document everything grant reviewers require

Up to $10M award

10-year plan validity

Flat-fee pricing

Community Wildfire Defense Grant — wildfire mitigation funding badge

$10M

Maximum award per applicant

8-Step

USFS-defined planning process

10 Years

Plan validity for CWDG eligibility

Weeks–Months

Typical plan development timeline

Limited advisory availability

Start Here

Start Your Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Tell us about your community and we'll follow up with next steps.

Compliance Commitment

We are committed to full compliance with U.S. Forest Service and CWDG program regulations. Our services are offered on a flat-fee basis, with no contingency fees or success-based compensation structures. We do not charge fees based on the outcome of grant applications, ensuring transparency and adherence to federal guidelines.

The Process

The 8-step path to a fundable Wildfire Protection Plan.

The U.S. Forest Service outlines this process. Funding Navigator is here to support your efforts throughout — you engage your community, we help turn your notes into a plan that meets CWDG eligibility requirements.

Convene decisionmakers

We help you identify and engage local elected officials, landowners, community groups, and your local fire authority to build a plan with real community backing.

Involve federal agencies

Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over land in your plan area.

Engage interested parties

Bring in advocacy groups, community foundations, homeowners' associations, and business interests — turning potential opposition into collaborators.

Community base map

Establish a clear map of your plan area, population centers, Wildland Urban Interface zones, and areas of high wildfire concern.

Community risk assessment

Document fuels hazards, wildfire occurrence risk, at-risk infrastructure, and your community's current preparedness capability.

Priorities & recommendations

Translate your risk assessment into a prioritized list of fuel treatment and mitigation projects — without cost as a limiting factor.

Assessment strategy

Define how you'll measure success: fuels reduction, reduced risk to property and community assets, and improved response readiness.

Finalize & sign the plan

We draft the final Community Wildfire Protection Plan from your notes and guide it through signature by the required elected officials and fire chiefs.

Q&A

Common Questions

Practical answers about CWDG eligibility, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan process, and how our flat-fee support works.

Ready to win CWDG?

The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) window is closing soon. Talk with our team and get a clear path to submission.