Best Grants for Fire Departments in Oregon

Oregon rural fire departments and related public agencies can seek larger grants to support capital projects, programs, or operations that benefit children, families, and communities. The Ford Family Foundation funds initiatives such as rural fire halls and community-serving facilities, with projects needing at least 60% of their impact in rural Oregon or Siskiyou County, California.

Rural Oregon fire departments and other community-focused nonprofits can seek funding for capital projects, equipment, or facility improvements that strengthen local infrastructure and quality of life. Focused on rural development, AgWest Farm Credit invites organizations in eligible Western states to apply for US $500 - US $2,500, with a required support letter from an AgWest employee or customer.

Volunteer fire departments needing safety and operational equipment in Oregon and across the U.S. can apply for the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which provides US $10,000 per department for eligible gear, related training, and warranties. National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm support small, mostly volunteer departments serving populations under 25,000 with limited annual revenue.

Individuals planning undergraduate firefighter, law enforcement, paramedic, or EMT programs can receive scholarship support for first responder education, including those in Oregon. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides U.S. students and eligible employees with a US $5,000 nonrenewable scholarship administered by Scholarship America to help pursue careers as first responders.

With a mission to strengthen communities, CommunityGiving provides Oregon students connected to law enforcement, firefighting, or paramedic families with up to US $1,000 toward two- or four-year college costs. Eligible applicants are dependents of local, county, state, or federal personnel pursuing higher education through the Brian Klinefelter Family Scholarship.

High school seniors planning to study law enforcement at a two- or four-year college, and residing in specific Minnesota counties, can apply for CommunityGiving’s Sartell Police Association and Brian Klinefelter Law Enforcement Scholarship; awards up to US $500 for post-secondary education. Fire service–oriented students in these areas may be eligible if pursuing law enforcement studies.

Oregon fire service and emergency medical service students who are current or former Boy Scouts may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education, typically around US $1,000. Funding through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund can help future firefighters and EMS professionals advance their training and careers.

Oregon fire service leaders seeking education pathways for future firefighters may find this scholarship relevant for students in Siskiyou County, California, pursuing fire science or law enforcement. Administered by Community Foundation of the North State, it supports eligible high school graduates or College of the Siskiyous students preparing for these public safety careers.

Students pursuing fire science or public safety training who live in Spearfish, SD can receive scholarship support for college, university, or technical school. Grants from South Dakota Community Foundation help Oregon fire departments identify opportunities that may benefit volunteers seeking similar higher or vocational education in firefighting and fire prevention fields.

Active uniform firefighters planning to attend an accredited college or university can apply for the Fayetteville Firefighters Scholarship, supporting higher education for those dedicated to firefighting. Though managed by Cumberland Community Foundation in North Carolina, Oregon fire service personnel pursuing similar educational goals may see this as a model or comparable opportunity to seek out locally.

Students who are children or grandchildren of Central Illinois firefighters planning full-time study at a U.S. two- or four-year college can apply for the Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship. Focused on higher education, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites relatives of career or volunteer firefighters, including those in Oregon fire service families who meet these criteria, to seek support.

Community organizations in Oregon supporting students pursuing firefighting, emergency services, or first responder careers can access funding through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. This scholarship provides approximately US $1,000 in non-renewable higher education assistance for Botetourt County graduating seniors committed to community service and enrolling in accredited postsecondary programs related to fire and emergency fields.

High school seniors planning to study emergency services such as fire, police, criminal justice, or EMS can receive scholarship support for accredited colleges, with a national scope that may benefit future Oregon fire service professionals. Noble County Community Foundation provides this US $500 award, with preference for West Noble High School seniors.

Dependent children of currently employed firefighters may be eligible for help with tuition, fees, books, and other post-secondary education costs through this scholarship; awards US $2,000. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help firefighting and fire prevention families, and Oregon fire departments may note this as a model for similar support programs.

James B. Murphy Firefighter of the Year

The Firefighter of the Year award is an annual award bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the characteristics of a firefighter with an outstanding record of fire service achievements. Firefighter characteristics are not restricted to heroic action but encompass all aspects of a productive, dedicated and professional service at all levels. 

If heroic action is one of the reasons that the individual is being nominated, the Subcommittee on Awards for the Executive Committee must find no hard evidence that the individual was in violation of generally accepted safety standards at the time of the action. Such standards include, but are not limited to, abstinence from the influence of alcohol or drugs, the use of applicable protective equipment such as protective clothing and breathing apparatus, and adherence to accepted operating procedures, where these criteria were applicable at the time of the action.

The Meritorious Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors firefighters or fire departments that exceed normal duties to save lives. Nominations must come from Association members, approved by a fire chief or designee. Candidates are recognized for their vigilance and professionalism, while any safety standards violations disqualify nominations. This award reflects our commitment to recognizing extraordinary bravery within the fire service community.

Oregon fire departments, wildfire councils, tribal authorities, and other 501(c)(3) or government-backed groups can seek funding for wildfire risk reduction, capacity-building, and planning on non-federal lands. Focused on wildfire mitigation, Coalitions & Collaboratives invites high-risk communities to apply for US $10,000 - US $75,000, with a required 100% cash or in-kind match.

Fire departments and other organizations in Oregon working on agricultural health, safety education, and rural well-being can apply for CHS Foundation’s Ag Health and Safety Grants. These national grants support projects that train youth and producers, develop farm or agribusiness safety guidelines, and protect the health of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Oregon small or rural fire departments and EMS organizations needing a wireless backup camera for apparatus may be eligible for this equipment grant. Grants from Brothers Helping Brothers help firefighting and EMS agencies nationwide that serve under 10,000 people or have fewer than 30 mostly volunteer employees improve safety while backing emergency vehicles.

Small or rural municipal or nonprofit fire departments and EMS organizations needing tools and lifesaving equipment can apply for national support, including those in Oregon. Focused on firefighting and emergency medical services, Brothers Helping Brothers invites eligible agencies serving under 10,000 residents or with mostly volunteer staff to request equipment grants.

Fire and EMT/ambulance organizations in Oregon and nationwide seeking support for firefighters and first responders may be eligible for assistance with equipment, training, and emergency needs. The Terry Farrell Firefighters Scholarship Fund also offers surplus gear, scholarships for children of firefighters, medical and mental health support, and disaster-response equipment, with applications submitted by chiefs, commissioners, or board presidents.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The First Responders Outreach (FRO) Grant, provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, supports essential resources for firefighters, police, and EMTs. This grant specifically targets First Responder Departments, allowing one application per year focused on equipment and training. It excludes funding for building costs and weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of those who protect our communities during emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to perform their vital roles effectively.

CSX Charitable Investments offers Community Service Grants to organizations that significantly impact their communities. These grants aim to support entities with tax-exempt status, government agencies, or educational institutions. The application process is open year-round, with responses expected within 30–45 days. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve military families and first responders, reflecting CSX's commitment to community service and support for local needs.