Best Grants for Fire Departments in Wisconsin

Wisconsin fire departments and county or area fire associations can seek 50% cost-share support for forest firefighting needs through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Focused on firefighting and fire prevention, this program prioritizes PPE, training, suppression equipment, communications, dry hydrants, mapping, and off-road vehicles.

Wisconsin fire departments and county or area fire associations can obtain 50% cost-share funding for forest fire protection equipment, training, and vehicles. Wisconsin fire departments can access funding through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for prioritized needs like NFPA-compliant PPE, forest fire training, suppression tools, communication gear, mapping/GPS, dry hydrants, and off-road vehicles, with awards from US $750 - US $25,000.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including independent volunteer emergency response organizations, can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support community safety, preparedness, and related programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides funding for safety, community vitality, workforce development, and environmental sustainability projects in communities along its rail network.

Fire departments, first responder agencies, municipal entities, schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin can apply for the Auto Club Group Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $15,000 grants to support traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy initiatives. Eligible projects may include passive speed enforcement equipment such as speed display signs.

Volunteer fire departments in Wisconsin can apply for the National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which awards US $10,000 for essential safety and operational equipment. Eligible U.S. departments are over 50% volunteer, serve populations under 25,000, have revenues under $250,000, and can demonstrate clear equipment needs.

Individuals planning undergraduate firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical studies, including future Wisconsin first responders, can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year programs. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides US $5,000 awards, administered by Scholarship America, for students and eligible employees pursuing first responder careers who demonstrate financial need.

Dependent children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics pursuing two- or four-year college can apply for the Brian Klinefelter Family Scholarship, awarding up to US $1,000. Administered by CommunityGiving, this academic scholarship may benefit Wisconsin fire service families whose students meet the listed county and school eligibility criteria.

High school seniors planning to study law enforcement at a two- or four-year college can receive up to US $500 toward higher education costs; applicants must reside in specific Minnesota counties. With a mission to strengthen local communities, CommunityGiving provides this scholarship, which may interest families of firefighters and other public safety personnel in Wisconsin exploring similar opportunities.

Current or former Boy Scouts pursuing higher education for fire service or emergency medical service careers in the Fox Valley can receive scholarship support; typical awards are US $1,000. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides this funding, and Wisconsin fire service–oriented scouts studying in the eligible area may benefit.

Students pursuing fire science or law enforcement careers in Wisconsin may be eligible for scholarships that support higher education costs. The Community Foundation of the North State’s Matt Solus Memorial Scholarship Fund specifically aids high school or College of the Siskiyous students in Siskiyou County, so Wisconsin fire-focused programs can look to it as a model when exploring similar opportunities.

Individuals pursuing fire science or public safety education who live in Spearfish, SD can apply for the South Dakota Community Foundation’s Spearfish Volunteer Firefighters' Association Scholarship. This support helps cover higher or technical education costs for future public safety professionals, and Wisconsin fire departments training local students may encourage eligible individuals to apply.

Active uniform firefighters pursuing higher education can apply for Cumberland Community Foundation’s Fayetteville Firefighters Scholarship, which supports accredited college or university study. While based in North Carolina, firefighters involved in fire prevention and community service work, including those similar to Wisconsin departments, may be interested in this type of educational support opportunity.

Children and grandchildren of Central Illinois firefighters pursuing full-time study at accredited U.S. two- or four-year colleges may be eligible for the Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship, supporting higher education. Grants from Community Foundation of Central Illinois help Wisconsin firefighting and fire prevention families with college costs when they meet these geographic and family criteria.

Graduating high school seniors in Botetourt County pursuing higher education in fire services, first responder fields, or related emergency disciplines can apply for the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship, awarding approximately US $1,000. While administered by Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, it may interest Wisconsin fire departments guiding students toward similar career paths.

High school seniors planning to study emergency services fields like firefighting, police, criminal justice, or EMS may be eligible for this scholarship, usable at any accredited college or university. With a mission to support advanced education, Noble County Community Foundation provides US $500 to one student annually; Wisconsin fire service–oriented students may benefit if they meet the specific school criteria.

Dependent children of firefighters can receive US $2,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and other post-secondary education costs through this scholarship. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help students connected to firefighting and fire prevention pursue college, vocational, or technical programs; note that this opportunity is specifically for those residing in Rochester, NY.

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.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Fire departments, tribal authorities, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Wisconsin can access funding from Coalitions & Collaboratives to build capacity and implement wildfire risk reduction on non-federal lands. This U.S.-wide program offers US $10,000 - US $75,000 for planning, personnel, and pre-fire mitigation projects that advance community wildfire strategies and require a 100% cash or in-kind match.

Grants from CHS Foundation help Wisconsin firefighting and fire prevention organizations fund agricultural safety education, farm safety guidelines, and rural health initiatives for farmers and ranchers. Eligible ag health and safety projects must have a national or multi-state reach within CHS geography, so Wisconsin fire departments working on broader rural ag safety may be eligible.

Wisconsin fire departments and EMS organizations serving under 10,000 residents or with mostly volunteer staff can receive a wireless backup camera for an apparatus through Brothers Helping Brothers’ Backing Safety Initiative. This U.S.-wide program supports small and rural firefighting and emergency medical services agencies with essential safety equipment needs.

Brothers Helping Brothers is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential tools and equipment to small and rural fire departments. Founded in 2014 after a tragic loss, the organization has raised over $20,000 to support fire services. They grant financial assistance to eligible fire and EMS organizations across the U.S. with a focus on enhancing safety and operational capability. Their mission continues to grow as they research and address the pressing needs of emergency services.

The Terry Farrell Firefighters’ Fund, established post-9/11, provides vital educational and financial support to families of firefighters across the U.S. With over $10 million distributed in grants and surplus gear, the fund offers scholarships, emergency assistance, and training for first responders. It also supplies rural fire departments with necessary equipment and sponsors health initiatives like blood and bone marrow drives, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve our communities.

The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund Grant aims to empower youth, advance technology, and foster community progression within the jewelry industry. Established in 1913 by jewelers, the fund supports nonprofit organizations that inspire the next generation through arts education, enhance the industry with technological innovations, and drive positive community development. Focused primarily on areas where employees reside, it also considers broader giving opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact on lives and communities.

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.