Best Grants for Fire Departments in North Carolina

North Carolina fire departments needing financial assistance for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty can apply for this relief fund, which also supports education, supplemental retirement, and insurance benefits. With a mission to support firefighting and first responders, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal requires NCSFA membership, annual certifications, and a local Relief Fund Board of Trustees.

Fire departments in North Carolina can apply for the North Carolina Forest Service’s Federal Excess Personal Property Loan Program to obtain surplus federal vehicles and equipment for fire suppression. Departments may receive loaned pickups, trucks, fire engines, generators, and light towers, which must be insured, licensed, maintained, and returned when no longer needed.

Fire departments in North Carolina can obtain surplus military vehicles, fire trucks, gear, and other firefighting equipment at no cost through the Firefighter Property Program. With a mission to ensure quality forest resources, North Carolina Forest Service provides emergency service providers with ownership of this equipment, with few restrictions on use or disposal.

North Carolina rural fire departments seeking wildland firefighting and safety training in North Carolina can access this program, which provides federally funded courses rather than cash awards. North Carolina Forest Service supports firefighting and fire prevention by offering instruction in wildland fire suppression, ICS, chainsaw use and safety, computer-simulated training, and more through its Fire Department Training Program.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in North Carolina serving military members, veterans, or community first responders can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations. Support includes intermodal transportation services and occasional railroad equipment or materials, which may help fire departments and related public safety agencies reduce costs and enhance community services.

North Carolina fire departments and other first-responding agencies can access funding through the Auto Club Group Foundation to support traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives; awards range from US $5,000 - US $15,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities, law enforcement, and K-12 or higher education institutions within the foundation’s multi-state service area.

Fire departments and other first responder agencies in North Carolina can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for programs serving veterans, active military, and first responders. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities such as fire rescue departments, and educational institutions addressing safety, mental health, community bridges, workforce, or basic needs.

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.

Individuals planning undergraduate firefighter, law enforcement, paramedic, or EMT study can receive US $5,000 for tuition and related education costs, including those in North Carolina. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides scholarships for high school seniors, graduates, and current undergraduates pursuing first responder careers, including eligible Firehouse Subs employees who demonstrate financial need.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, CommunityGiving provides North Carolina firefighting families with scholarship support for dependents pursuing two- or four-year colleges. The Brian Klinefelter Family Scholarship offers up to US $1,000 to children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics, and may benefit those connected to eligible schools and counties.

High school seniors planning to study law enforcement at a two- or four-year college can receive up to US $500 for educational costs; applicants must reside in specific central Minnesota counties. While administered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship may interest departments supporting students from firefighting families pursuing related public safety careers.

North Carolina fire service and EMS–focused students can access scholarship funding through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, though awards are for Fox Valley residents. The Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp offers about US $1,000 to current or former Boy Scouts pursuing higher education toward fire service or emergency medical service careers.

North Carolina students pursuing fire science or law enforcement careers may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education costs through the Community Foundation of the North State. This memorial fund assists graduating high school seniors or undergraduates preparing for firefighting or police work, helping them advance the training that local fire departments and public safety agencies rely on.

Individuals pursuing fire science or public safety training who live in Spearfish, SD can receive scholarship support for college, university, or technical school costs. Grants from South Dakota Community Foundation help students with financial need prepare for firefighting and fire prevention careers, which may benefit fire departments in North Carolina with similar training goals.

Active uniform Fayetteville firefighters in North Carolina planning to attend an accredited college or university within six months can apply for the Fayetteville Firefighters Scholarship, supporting higher education and career preparation. Administered by Cumberland Community Foundation, selection considers firefighting contributions, community citizenship, special circumstances, and financial need, and applicants may reapply in future years.

Children and grandchildren of career or volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties can receive college scholarship support, which may benefit North Carolina fire service families with similar needs. Focused on higher education, Community Foundation of Central Illinois invites eligible students to pursue full-time study at accredited U.S. two- or four-year colleges.

Graduating high school seniors in Botetourt County pursuing higher education in first responder, fire sciences, emergency management, EMS, criminal justice, or related fields can receive approximately US $1,000 in non-renewable scholarship support. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia funding may benefit future firefighters and emergency personnel connected to fire departments in North Carolina and beyond.

High school seniors pursuing fire, police, criminal justice, or EMS studies can receive support for higher education through the Noble County Community Foundation, including those interested in firefighting careers. This US $500 scholarship is for students from specified Indiana high schools or Noble County homeschoolers and may benefit future fire service professionals in North Carolina as well.

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.

Toby L. Mapes: Fire Protection Technology Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1500
• Active

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for a student pursuing a higher education in a Fire Protection Technology degree at an accredited institution, with preference given to students attending Blue Ridge Community College or AB Technical College in a fire protection technology field. A second preference is given to students pursuing nursing. 

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.

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 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.