Oregon Conservation Corps — 2027–29 Planning Grant, HECC #27-001. This is the distinct Planning Grant track, with a maximum initial award of $50,000 per applicant, not the separate operational Program Grant offering up to $600,000. Planning grants help eligible Oregon organizations develop the administrative staffing, partnerships, safety plans, infrastructure, professional development and resources necessary to launch sustainable youth wildfire-fuel-reduction crews. Grantees must follow the grant’s reporting, allowability and technical-assistance requirements.
Planning purpose: Build an actionable capacity and implementation plan for Oregon Conservation Corps training and wildfire risk reduction, including relationships with Tribal partners and local fire agencies and potential treatment sites in the wildland–urban interface. Program priorities include paid employment and career preparation for underserved youth and young adults ages 16–26. A Planning Grant does not itself promise a future Program Grant.
Who may apply: Oregon-based or Oregon-registered nonprofit youth-development organizations, public entities and Tribal Nations providing forest- or rangeland-related job training and workforce development. Applicants must identify community partnerships including Tribal outreach, establish legally compliant site safety, orientation and emergency plans, and satisfy insurance and background-check requirements. Projects must take place within Oregon’s wildland–urban interface, coordinate with fire officials, and use the Oregon Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) mapping tool. Youth participants are ages 16–26; paid program participants must meet the RFA’s wage or equivalent-stipend requirement.
Deadline and submission: February 26, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Email the designated HECC single point of contact, copying HECC.Procurement@hecc.oregon.gov and hecc.oregonyouthworks@hecc.oregon.gov. Include the appropriate Attachment A or B application, Attachment C proposed budget, Attachment D certification, and Attachment E CWPP treatment-site screen captures. Questions are due February 17, 2027 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Late or incomplete applications are ineligible.
Funding terms: The overall competitive program budget is approximately $5 million, which is not the individual grant amount. Pre-agreement costs are not reimbursable; allowable project costs must align with the approved budget and agreement. The funder monitors reimbursement/allocation requests, requires twice-yearly progress reporting, and may partially fund applications. No universal applicant cash-match percentage is specified in the controlling RFA; review agreement and award terms before assuming how expenses will be paid.
Official materials: HECC’s current grant listing, forms and notices, controlling RFA #27-001, and Addendum 1 updating technical assistance providers. Free application coaching is available through state-designated providers. Verified October 25, 2026.