Best Grants for Fire Departments

Community Development Block Grant

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department for Local Government (DLG) administers approximately $26 million annually from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services. With the participation of their citizens, communities can devote these funds to a wide range of activities that best serve their own particular development priorities.

All project activities must meet at least one of three national objectives:

• Benefit to low and moderate income persons
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight
• Meeting particularly urgent community development needs​

For the 2026 funding cycle, DLG will receive $25,988,523​ for distribution. Funds are designated for various program areas including Community Projects, Community Emergency Relief Fund, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities Public Services (Recovery Kentucky).​

Community Projects

​The Community program is designed to provide funds for community development projects that address human service needs, such as senior centers, crisis centers, fire stations and facilities that provide services to low-income persons. As part of the Commonwealth's allocation from the CDBG program, these projects have been allocated with the maximum amount of $8​50,000 of CDBG funding per community.

Statewide Wildfire Safety & Preparedness Grant

The California Fire Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Statewide Wildfire Safety & Preparedness Grant application cycle for California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities.

Focus Areas 

Applicants whose projects focus on wildfire and other climate-related prevention and preparedness efforts are eligible to receive up to $25,000, with requests outside of this range considered on an as-needed basis.

2026 Funding Focus Areas:  

• Vegetation Mitigation & Fuels Reduction 
• Education, Planning, or Community Outreach Campaigns 
• Personal Protective Equipment  
• Specialized Firefighting Equipment 

About Us

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, based in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest office of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards through education, investigation, and enforcement.

Fire Department Equipment Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of 2027 Fire Department Individual and Joint Equipment Grant for qualifying fire departments and local government entities. Allowable equipment grant requests include personal protective clothing, SCBA, communications equipment and other miscellaneous equipment. Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, be in compliance with the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund outlined in Ohio Revised Code 146, and have submitted incident fire reports for the previous calendar year. The State Fire Marshal is accepting Individual and Joint Equipment Grant applications online only. The Fire Department Equipment Grant application packets are being provided as a worksheet guidance document (Individual and Joint) only. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online. Grant award notifications up to $15,000 will be made in the spring.

The Division of State Fire Marshal offers the Fire Department Equipment Grant to qualifying fire departments to buy protective clothing, breathing apparatuses, communications gear, and other equipment. Applications open in winter.

About Us

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, based in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest office of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards through education, investigation, and enforcement.

Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is pleased to announce we are now accepting electronic applications for the Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant for eligible classes completed in calendar year.

Fire Departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or less qualify for the grant. Reimbursement is available for specific fire training classes, including the cost of training manuals and student workbooks up to the maximum amount that is authorized. Training grants awards are subject to availability of funds. Applications are available mid-December through mid-January annually.

The Fire Department Training Reimbursement grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all the necessary information prior to submitting the grants online.

Fire departments that provide primary fire protection to an area with a permanent population of 25,000 or fewer may qualify for training reimbursement. Reimbursement covers approved training classes and associated training manuals and student workbooks, up to the authorized maximum.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Conference & Education Assistance Grant

The Conference & Education Assistance Grant provides financial assistance for the professional development of Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.

• Administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and overseen by the Executive Director or their designee, the program aims to offer essential financial support for training conferences and seminars.

• These events, sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations, enhance the education and skills of fire and emergency services personnel throughout the commonwealth.

• Grant funds shall be used for the purposes of providing training to volunteer or career firefighting personnel and funding fire prevention and public safety education courses.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources launched its Prescribed Fire Program in the fall of 2021 with the goal of reintroducing a cost-effective tool with a high rate of success for forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction in the dry forests of central and eastern Washington. Prescribed fire is a critical tool for completing objectives with the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan: Eastern Washington.

Prescribed fire is a tool long used on dry-forest ecosystems in central and eastern Washington by Tribes, land management agencies and conservation groups. These types of forests, with their ponderosa pines and other fire-adapted plants, historically had low-intensity fires burn through their understories on a regular basis. These low-severity fires reduced the amount of ladder fuels capable of taking fires up into tree canopies, where they spread much more rapidly than at ground level.

A prescribed fire applies low-severity fire to the forest floor in order to reduce built-up vegetation while helping mature trees stay healthy and resilient. Trained fire professionals follow burn plans guided by state and federal regulations to reduce wildfire fuels on the ground, reintroduce vital nutrients into the soil, and restore natural, fire-adapted habitats for wildlife.

Safety is the number one priority of DNR's official prescribed fire policy - scheduled burns do not take place as planned if conditions do not meet strict and uncompromising standards. Skilled professionals within the agency conduct prescribed fire operations on DNR-managed lands, assist partner agencies with prescribed burning on land they manage, and oversee a certification program for people who want to lead or participate in prescribed burns.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Aid to Localities Grant

Aid to Localities (ATL) known as the Virginia Fire Programs Fund (Fund) is a crucial resource, sourced from one percent of fire-related insurance coverage.  

This fund is dedicated to supporting localities in the commonwealth by providing financial aid where it's needed most. Approximately 75 percent of the total fund is allocated directly to counties, cities, and incorporated towns within Virginia.

ATL allocations are population-based and can be used for a range of essential fire services and initiatives. 

How ATL Funds Can Be Allocated

These funds can be allocated to jurisdictions* for the sole purpose of the following:

• Training volunteer or career firefighting personnel in each of the receiving localities.
• Funding fire prevention and public safety education programs.
• Constructing, improving and expanding regional or local fire service training facilities.
• Purchasing emergency medical care and equipment for fire personnel.
• Payment of personnel costs related to fire and medical training for fire personnel; or For purchasing personal protective equipment, vehicles, equipment and supplies for use in the receiving locality specifically for fire service purposes.
• Diesel exhaust removal systems, decontamination equipment, and commercial extractors, that are designed to reduce the incidence of cancer among firefighters 
• *ATL Funds allocated to the jurisdictions cannot be used directly or indirectly to supplant or replace any other funds appropriated by the counties, cities and towns for fire service operations. 

About Us

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, based in Reynoldsburg, is the oldest office of its kind in the United States. Its mission is to protect people, property, and the environment from fire and related hazards through education, investigation, and enforcement.

MARCS Grant

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 for eligible recipients to purchase systems, equipment, and/or services that are a part of, integrated into, or otherwise interoperable with the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) operated by the State of Ohio with respect to providing fire protection services. The State Fire Marshal is accepting online applications only. The MARCS Grant application packet is being provided as a worksheet guidance document. This will allow you to gather all of the necessary information prior to submitting the grant online.

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program

The VFA program is funded through the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS). The objective of the VFA program is to improve the capacity and capability of fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress wildfires. (A rural community is defined as having 10,000 or less population.)

About Us

Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure trees, forests and related natural resources are sustained for the benefit of all. The agency supports the state’s incident response capability, protecting against wildfire and responding to a range of all-hazard incidents. 

DOD Firefighter Property Program

The U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program provides excess military property to emergency service providers, with ownership of the equipment passed from the federal government to the recipient. Fire departments and other emergency response providers in the state of Texas may apply for assistance under the FFP Program.

Departments that received a 2.5-ton cargo, 5-ton cargo, or a tractor style DoD FFP truck on or after Sept. 1, 2015 may be eligible for a slip-on unit grant to assist in converting the truck into a fire apparatus. The FFP slip-on unit program element reimbursement rate is set at 100% of the actual cost, not to exceed $45,000 in grant assistance. Receiving fire departments are responsible for other conversion costs required to bring the unit into service, which will serve as the department’s in-kind contribution.

Due to the high demand for vehicles and limited resources, there is not a standing inventory.

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 Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

The Deerfield Charitable Trust, established in 2010, supports charitable, scientific, literary, educational, and religious endeavors in Northern Tioga County, Pennsylvania. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that promote health, wellness, and the arts. Founded by Edwin A. and Jane E. Glover, the trust reflects their commitment to community service and cultural enrichment, inspired by their passions for local history and education.

The Fleetwood Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 1974 by Mr. W.I. Fleetwood, provides essential financial assistance to Texas first responders and their families during critical times. This fund supports those injured in the line of duty, as well as the families of fallen officers, during the crucial first eight weeks after an incident. Grants of $10,000 for death or $3,000-$5,000 for injuries help alleviate immediate financial burdens.

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

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.

The 15 Forever Fund Grant, established by the Community Foundation Boulder County, empowers youth by promoting civic engagement and leadership among Boulder County residents aged 0-18. Since 2006, over $225,000 has been granted through this program, which encourages students to manage their own grant cycles, raising funds for community issues they prioritize. The fund emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its review process, ensuring that all initiatives align with the needs of local youth.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Program (VFA) offers grants up to $25,000 annually to local fire departments in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funded by the USDA Forest Service, the program aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and wildfire prevention efforts. Eligible applicants must provide a 10% cost-share match using state or local funds and will undergo a competitive review process. This initiative supports essential equipment and training for rural firefighters.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry, provide crucial funding to support rural volunteer fire departments. These grants offer a 50% reimbursement for the purchase of personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment, ensuring effective wildfire suppression in Virginia. With a matching fund requirement, departments must invest in approved items to access reimbursement, fostering community engagement and resource allocation for fire safety.

The Montana DNRC Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant Program aims to mitigate the risk of wildland fires and protect communities in high-priority areas adjacent to National Forest System lands. Funded by USFS resources, this program supports projects that reduce hazardous fuels through various methods like thinning and burning. Eligible applicants include non-profits, local governments, and tribal entities. Projects must align geographically and be initiated within three years of planned USFS treatments, ensuring community safety and environmental stewardship.

The Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) provides grants to non-profit organizations and educational institutions in Scott County, Iowa, primarily funded by gaming receipts from the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. These grants support a wide array of services, including arts, education, and social services. The application cycles occur in April and October, with specific eligibility requirements for applicants. Since 1991, SCRA has awarded over $101 million to various community initiatives.

The Range Resources Good Neighbors Fund, administered by the Washington County Community Foundation, supports fire departments and emergency management services in its core area. Grants up to $10,000 are available to enhance community safety and preparedness. This initiative aims to foster strong partnerships between Range Resources and local organizations, ensuring vital services are adequately funded. Applications are encouraged from eligible entities to strengthen community resilience and emergency response capabilities.

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.

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 Brothers Helping Brothers initiative aims to provide essential equipment to small fire departments and EMS organizations in the U.S. Established in 2014, the program offers grants to eligible agencies serving communities with populations under 10,000. With a focus on tools like wireless backup cameras, the organization strives to enhance safety and operational efficiency for first responders. Through community support, they have raised significant funds to assist in this critical mission.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program to support rural fire departments by covering 50% of eligible project costs, up to $10,000. This grant aids in purchasing fire equipment, including radios and protective gear. Projects must be competitive, and funds can only be used for fire-related initiatives, excluding EMS and rescue services. Eligible applicants must serve communities with populations under 10,000 and have a Memorandum of Understanding with IDNR.