What Grants Are Available for Fire Departments?

At a Glance: Fire departments in the U.S. can apply for grants that cover vehicles, equipment, training programs, and other relevant expenses. This funding can be provided by federal and state government programs, industry associations, corporations, and charity organizations. 

Since they must always be prepared for emergencies, budgeting can be difficult for firefighters, especially for volunteer departments in rural areas. Luckily, there are a variety of grants that fire departments in the United States can apply for. Federal or local government offices, charities, or corporations manage these grants. Depending on the program, the awards can be used to cover expenses for equipment and gear, fund training programs, or establish community safety initiatives like fire hydrant installations and public safety education.

What Does a Firefighter Grant Program Cover?

Depending on the program, the awards can be used to cover expenses for equipment and gear, fund training programs, or establish community safety initiatives like fire hydrant installations and public safety education.

Federal Grants for Fire Departments

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

FEMA’s grant opportunities for fire departments include the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, and Fire Prevention & Safety Grants (FP&S). These programs help support career and volunteer departments by helping them access critical vehicles, protective gear, and fire prevention programs.

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)

The NVFC offers a wide range of scholarships, stipends, and giveaway opportunities for volunteer firefighters. These include corporate grants, training opportunities, and first responder discounts.

International Association of Fire Fighters 

The IAFF offers a variety of firefighter training programs that are eligible for grant funding and grant application resources. These programs include:

• IAFF Peer Support Training Program
• IAFF Fit to Thrive (F2T)
• IAFF Resiliency Training
• IAFF Responding to the Interface (RTI) Training Program

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program

VFA programs are offered for rural fire departments in many different states, including Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, and New Mexico. Volunteer departments that serve a population below a specific limit (this varies by state) are eligible to receive wildland fire equipment, PPE, communication devices, and other items that support firefighting operations in rural areas.

Corporate Financial Support for Fire Departments

Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program

Through this partnership with the NVFC, State Farm provides 150 volunteer departments with $10,000 grants and one-year NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants. Launched in 2024, the program has already provided 250 departments with a total of $2.5 million in funding. The application period typically begins in early May.

Nutella Stacks for Giving Back

Nutella has partnered with the NVFC and Pearl Mining Company to offer $5,000 grants to 10 volunteer fire departments annually. To apply, departments must meet specific criteria, including serving a population of 25,000 or less and having at least one active NVFC member in the department. Applications are open through April 30.

Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant Program

Since 2023, Norfolk Southern has offered grant funding to organizations in its 22-state network that directly provide safety services. Organizations must align with Norfolk Southern’s Focus Areas (safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities). The grant typically ranges from $2,500 to $10,000. Applications are usually accepted from early February to early August.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

Firehouse Subs provides Public Safety grants for fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and public safety organizations. Their funding areas include lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships & continued education, and disaster relief. Resources are focused on departments within 60 miles of a Firehouse Subs restaurant. Up to 600 grant applications are accepted every quarter.

State-Specific Firefighter Grant Programs

Many government grants offered by state offices are only eligible for fire departments that meet specific requirements. Some of this funding is available to departments statewide, but some programs consider factors like county population and volunteer status.

California Wildfire Prevention Grants

Funded through California Climate Investments (CCI), these grants cover projects in and near fire-threatened communities. Types of projects covered by the grants include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Grants

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) offers this funding, which can be used by departments across the state of Ohio. These programs include:

• Fire Training Reimbursement Grant
• Individual & Joint Fire Department Equipment Grant
• Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) Grant
• Firefighter I Training Grant
• Small Government Fire Department Services Revolving Loan Program

Ohio Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal offers funding for volunteer departments in counties that had a population of 70,000 or less in the 2020 U.S. Census. Departments receive up to $50,000 that can be used for firefighting equipment, rescue equipment, and fire protection services. The application period usually opens in October and closes in January. 

PERMA & NYSAFC MiniGrant Program

The Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA) and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) offer a Firefighter Risk Reduction MiniGrant Program. This program helps departments purchase gear washers and dryers. To be eligible for the funding, departments must be a member of NYSAFC and PERMA. Applications are typically accepted until November.

Virginia Department of Forestry Grants

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) offers fire departments grants and partial reimbursements for vehicles, equipment, and water supply in rural areas.

• Federal Firefighter Property Program: Continuous signup
• Virginia Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants: 
• Virginia Dry Hydrant Program: March 31 deadline

The Federal Firefighter Property Program accepts applications year-round. The application deadline for the Dry Hydrant Program is late March. VFA grants must be submitted by late August.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Grants

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) offers several grant programs, including: 

• Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant
• Small Equipment Grant Program
• Ambulance Revolving Loan Program
• Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program

Departments applying for these loans and grants must be compliant with NFIRS Reporting guidelines. During open application periods, the OSFM provides a list of compliant and non-compliant departments.

North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal Grants

In North Carolina, the Volunteer Fire Department Fund allows eligible departments to purchase equipment and make capital expenditures. The Office of the State Fire Marshal also offers a Firefighters Relief Fund and Rescue Squad Worker’s Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to the families of first responders who are injured or killed while performing their duties.

Texas Rural Funders Fire Department Grants

Texas Rural Funders is a philanthropy membership organization that works with rural communities in the state to help them meet their needs. They offer a variety of grants, including funding for fire departments through the Firefighters Charitable Foundation. These grants are used to fund fire prevention education, community safety programs, volunteer fire equipment, and financial support for fire and disaster victims.

In addition to these states, most U.S. states offer similar programs through their individual State Fire Marshal, Department of Forestry, and Department of Public Safety offices.

Charitable Foundation Grant Funding

Leary Firefighters Foundation Grants

Founded by comedian and actor Denis Leary, the Leary Firefighters Foundation offers paid and volunteer fire department grants for training, equipment, and technology. Most grant sizes range from $2,500 to $25,000, and applications are accepted from August until October.

Gary Sinise Foundation Grants

Actor Gary Sinise founded the Gary Sinise Foundation to support military veterans, first responders, and their families. The charity accepts grant applications year-round from first responder outreach teams, including firefighting organizations. 

Hero Fund America

Hero Fund America (HFA) grants are open to fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies located in the US. Applications are accepted every year from June 1 to June 30.

Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

Established in memory of Terry Farrell, a firefighter who was killed on September 11, 2001, the Terry Farrell Fund offers funding for firefighters and their families and provides rural fire departments with apparatus and surplus gear. This equipment is donated from fire departments with a greater tax base that have access to more gear. Departments in need can request apparatus and equipment.

Other Resources

In addition to firefighter grant programs, there are other ways that departments can apply for financial assistance. Some local banks can provide financing opportunities and assist with applications. The NVFC offers a Grant Application Writing Guide that guides departments through the application process. The National Agricultural Library also offers resources for financial assistance, training, and station management.

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