Questions? Email: larise@lisc.org (for accommodations. Stay tuned for upcoming information sessions.


1. Who can apply?
For-profit small businesses with a physical street address located in a FEMA-declared January 2025 wildfire area in Los Angeles County. Applicants must be 18+, have a business checking account (or be able to accept ACH), and annual gross revenue under $2,000,000. PO boxes are not eligible. Businesses that previously received LISC LA wildfire relief for the January 2025 event are ineligible.

Priority: Businesses in impacted neighborhoods (including initial program focus areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena) and businesses already engaged with LISC LA partners will be prioritized.


2. What is the grant size and what can it be used for?
Awards are $5,000 micro-grants. Grants must be used primarily to replace or repair tangible business assets (equipment, technology, inventory, physical repairs). At least 80% of grant funds must be used for asset/tangible purchases; up to 20% may be used for working capital (payroll, rent, utilities) where justified.

Examples of eligible uses: replace damaged equipment, restock inventory, make safety repairs, purchase point-of-sale or online ordering technology, or cover essential reopening costs.


3. Is there a fee to apply?
No. The application is free. LISC LA does not charge an application fee.


4. What documentation is required?
At minimum applicants must submit:
• Proof of business address in a FEMA-declared Jan 2025 wildfire area (lease, business license, utility bill)
• Proof of wildfire impact (dated photos, repair estimates/invoices, insurance claim number or denial, or official fire/city report)
• Proof of business existence (business license, state registration, or recent tax filing)
• Voided check or bank letter for ACH (finalists required to submit W-9)

Additional documentation may be requested during finalist due diligence.


5. How are applications evaluated?
Selection is based on: verified wildfire impact and need; potential of funds to enable reopening or stabilization; likelihood of sustaining jobs; and community impact. Priority considerations include location within targeted impacted neighborhoods and demonstrated readiness to use funds quickly. Domain assessment responses (optional) help LISC match awardees to tailored technical assistance and webinars.



6. Do I need to submit a business plan or a pitch video?
No formal business plan or pitch video is required. The application asks for a short description of how the grant will be used and supporting documents of loss/damage. Optional attachments (brief budgets, photos, vendor estimates) are encouraged to expedite verification.



7. Will using other platforms (like Fud) help my application?
No platform is required. Any public materials you submit or link to (website, social handles) are optional and may help reviewers understand your business, but they are not required and do not replace the required documentation.


8. When will I hear back and when are funds disbursed?
Finalists will typically be notified approximately 4–6 weeks after the application deadline. After finalist verification (W-9, ACH info, any outstanding receipts), grant awards are disbursed by ACH—generally within 2–4 weeks of completed verification.



9. What about other disaster assistance (FEMA, SBA, insurance)?
You must disclose any disaster assistance you have applied for or received (FEMA, SBA disaster loans/grants, insurance proceeds, or other relief). LISC LA will coordinate to avoid duplication of benefits and may reduce award amounts if overlapping funds satisfy the same loss.



10. Will I get technical assistance?
Yes. Awardees (and many non-awarded applicants) will be invited to no-cost webinars and short technical-assistance sessions on priority topics such as cash-flow triage, insurance navigation, digital marketing, and basic bookkeeping. Domain assessment responses on the application help determine which sessions you’ll be invited to.


11. Can I reapply if I don’t receive an award?
You may apply once per open application cycle. If you are not funded in this round, stay connected — LISC LA will share other resources and future opportunities.


12. Privacy & monitoring
Application data remains confidential. LISC LA may follow up for monitoring and evaluation (short surveys, progress updates). Awardees will be expected to provide a brief post-award report on use of funds and outcomes.