Best Grants for Fire Departments

The Healthy Forest Initiative Grant, funded by the State of Arizona and USDA Forest Service, aims to enhance fire prevention, protect critical infrastructure, and restore forests and watersheds. With approximately $1.5 million available, grants up to $500,000 will support projects on various lands. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Priority will be given to projects aligned with community wildfire protection plans and those that have not received prior treatments.

The Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 in honor of a dedicated fire emergency medical specialist, supports Hawaii Island high school graduates pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Preference is given to previous recipients and those studying in fire-related fields. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for future leaders in emergency services.

The Firefighter Grant Program by Missouri American Water aims to support local fire departments with financial assistance up to $1,200. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to enhancing community safety and well-being. Eligible applicants include both professional and volunteer fire departments within designated service areas. Funds can be used for essential items such as protective gear, communication equipment, firefighting tools, and training materials, ensuring that fire services are well-equipped to respond effectively.

Nicor Gas offers Pillar Grants focused on education to support secondary and post-secondary opportunities, including technical and vocational programs. These grants aim to enhance workforce development by fostering partnerships that create awareness of careers in energy and promote diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving Nicor Gas’ service area, and grants may not exceed $5,000. Applications are encouraged from those aligning with these educational initiatives.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program supports Mendocino County nonprofits with projects focused on disaster relief, recovery, and resilience. Established in 2016, it aims to provide immediate assistance for natural and human-caused disasters, emphasizing community preparedness and service continuity. Funding priorities include disaster preparedness workshops, community resiliency initiatives, and service continuity projects. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,500, with proposals over $5,000 undergoing a two-stage review process.

The Small Equipment Grant Program, offered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, supports fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and not-for-profit ambulance services in acquiring essential small equipment. This funding opportunity aims to enhance the operational capabilities of these organizations, ensuring they can effectively serve their communities. Interested applicants should review eligibility criteria and application processes to take advantage of this vital support.

The Colorado Advanced Power Grid Monitoring Grant Program, managed by the Colorado Energy Office, provides funding for electric utilities to enhance grid monitoring and resilience projects. Grants of up to $500,000 are available, with a total of $1,967,669 for 2024. Projects focus on wildfire and weather impact monitoring, and require matching funds from applicants. The program aims to improve grid reliability through innovative technologies and strategic investments in infrastructure.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (FL) program offers essential financial and technical support to rural fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. This initiative aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and safety through funding that must be matched by non-federal dollars. Eligible departments can use the funds for training and necessary equipment, with a focus on benefiting the rural population. Grants are available for one year following approval, facilitating ongoing support for rural fire protection.

Ohio firefighter employers seeking to purchase safety equipment to reduce exposure to hazardous environmental elements can apply for funding, with awards up to US $15,000. Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation provides support for diesel exhaust systems, turnout gear washers and dryers, barrier hoods, washable gloves, and turnout gear for volunteer firefighters.

Focused on community development, California Department of Housing and Community Development invites California local governments to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding to improve facilities and services for low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible activities include constructing or upgrading community facilities such as fire stations and related public infrastructure, which may benefit fire departments serving rural and non-entitlement jurisdictions.

Rural volunteer fire departments in Montana can apply for the Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant to support training, equipment purchases, and organizational development. Administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation with USDA Forest Service funds, this cost-share program helps strengthen wildfire and emergency response capabilities in rural communities statewide.

Municipal fire departments and fire districts in Arizona can receive funding to purchase hardware and software that support fire incident management. Grants from the State of Arizona help fire and emergency response agencies strengthen their firefighting and fire prevention capabilities through improved incident management systems.

North Valley Community Foundation provides Butte County youth-serving organizations with funding to support health, mental health, and wellness programs, especially in areas affected by the Camp Fire. Fire departments and related groups working with young people in the Camp Fire burn footprint may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $25,000 for creative, innovative initiatives.

California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, tribes, and nonprofits planning wildfire relief and recovery projects in Los Angeles or Ventura counties can apply for California Fire Foundation grants of US $25,000 - US $100,000. Grants support community relief and recovery, public education and outreach, first responder training, specialized firefighting equipment, and vegetation mitigation or fuels reduction.

Rural volunteer fire departments in Montana can apply for Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation’s Volunteer Fire Capacity Program to cost-share training, wildland PPE, equipment, water handling, radios, and organizational planning. Eligible departments primarily serve communities under 10,000 residents with at least 80% volunteer personnel and meet NFIRS and NIMS compliance requirements.

Fire departments and other eligible organizations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties can seek funding for wildfire prevention, forest health, and community fire safety projects, with awards from US $50,000 - US $2,000,000. With a mission to protect and restore regional wildlands, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy provides support for planning, fuel reduction, restoration, and stewardship efforts.

Fire departments and first responder nonprofits in designated rural communities across the East and West Land O'Lakes regions can request US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local community vitality projects. Focused on rural vibrancy, Land O'Lakes Foundation supports efforts like fire and ambulance departments, city improvements, and related community development initiatives.

Volunteer fire departments in the U.S. needing firefighting and safety equipment can apply for the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which awards US $10,000 for eligible equipment purchases. Funded by State Farm and administered by the National Volunteer Fire Council, this program supports small, resource-constrained departments serving populations of 25,000 or less with limited annual revenue.

Eligible children and surviving spouses of New Jersey firefighters, emergency service workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty can receive full tuition scholarships at approved in-state colleges through the Survivor Tuition Benefits Program. Grants from New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority help these students pursue undergraduate degrees, which may benefit families connected to fire departments and first responder communities.

The program represents a strong collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands to provide assistance to Utah’s fire departments. The purpose of the Fire Department Assistance Grant program is to provide technical and financial assistance to the fire departments of Utah to improve their ability to safely and effectively provide fire protection and manage hazardous material incidents. Its primary objective is to assist communities in organizing, training, and equipping fire departments.

About the Montana Department of Commerce

Every day, staff at Commerce work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

The economy of the Treasure State continues to grow and diversify. Studies rank Montana as the number one place in the country to start a business. Plus, our workforce has earned some of the highest rankings in both trade and technical skills by having one of the highest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concentrations in the country.

Public and Community Facilities

Public and Community Facility Grants

Montana's CDBG Public and Community Facilities grants help local governments fund construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and facilities that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) Montanans, i.e. individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. These projects can target LMI residents and provide direct benefits by improving or creating access to suitable living environments or necessary services, or these projects can provide an area-wide benefit to the entire community as long as at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries are determined to be LMI. 

Certain projects such as senior centers, food banks, homeless shelters, youth homes, or head start centers are presumed to serve a limited clientele that is primarily LMI. Therefore, determining exactly what percent of project beneficiaries qualify as LMI is not required. Other projects, such as a wastewater improvements or water treatment improvements provide benefits to the entire community and are considered to have area-wide benefit because both LMI and non-LMI residents are served. Therefore, applicants must document at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries qualify as LMI for projects considered to have an area-wide benefit.

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

Amount

• $1,000+
• non-renewable

Hutsell, Alan Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior from Central Noble, East Noble, Wawasee, West Noble or homeschool (homeschooled student must live in Noble County) who will be pursuing advanced education in emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Awards Per Year:

• 1 scholarship

Applicant High School:

• Central Noble, East Noble, Homeschooled, Wawasee, West Noble

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Services, Emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

John W. Burandt Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide support for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with post-secondary education for dependents of firefighters residing in the city of Rochester, NY.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,000; paid in the Fall and and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Lorene (Rene) Burandt in honor of her husband, John W. Burandt, a dedicated firefighter who served the Rochester community for 30 years.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Chief Carter Jones Leadership Scholarship

Carter Jones served the people of Clarendon County as fire chief for 22 years. Chief Jones, involved in the fire service for over five decades, was the 33rd president of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association. Chief Jones has worked for many years to promote and lead the Association to the betterment of its members. Carter loves history and works tirelessly to document the history of the South Carolina fire service on a statewide and local level. Carter is the definition of a leader and is dedicated to his community and his church. Carter personifies all which the Foundation represents.

The Foundation has established an annual scholarship to honor the dedication and love that Chief Jones gives to the citizens of the state of South Carolina and South Carolina’s fire service.

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Chief Jim Stone Scholarship

Chief James Casper Stone Jr., a 50-year veteran, joined the Darlington Fire Department in 1962. In 1984, he was promoted as the City of Darlington's first full-time Fire Chief fulfilling and living his dream every day until his retirement in 2012. Chief Stone led his department with dedication, determination, drive, and a kind spirit that reached deep into his community. He was instrumental in preserving the town’s first horse-drawn fire engine for perpetual display the community continues to enjoy. In addition to his tenure with the fire service, Stone was an active, lifetime member of his church, and served on numerous community boards including Darlington County Council.

The Stone family has established an annual scholarship in remembrance of Chief Jim Stone's dedication and passion for the citizens of the City of Darlington, Darlington County, and South Carolina’s Fire Service.  

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Chief Louis Behrens Scholarship

Co-founder of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, Chief Louis Behrens was fire chief in the City of Charleston for 25 years and was a faithful member of his department for a total of 58 years. Chief Behrens was the creative visionary and served as the Association’s first and longest serving President. Chief Behrens worked to promote and led the South Carolina Firefighters’ Association for 27 years and was instrumental in the passing of the Fireman’s Fund Bill, known today as the One Percent Fund.

The Foundation has established an annual scholarship to honor the dedication and love that Chief Louis Behrens gave to the citizens of the state of South Carolina and South Carolina’s fire service.

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing.