Best Grants for Fire Departments in Ohio

Fire departments and emergency services organizations in Ohio can use this scholarship to support firefighters or EMTs pursuing accredited fire technology or EMS education. The Columbus Foundation’s Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship offers US $1,000 to individuals enrolled in or planning to attend an Ohio-accredited program, helping strengthen the state’s future emergency response workforce.

Ohio firefighter employers seeking to purchase safety equipment and protective gear can apply for the Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant, offering up to US $15,000 per three-year cycle. Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation funds diesel exhaust systems, PPE extractors, barrier hoods, turnout gear for volunteers, drying machines, and compliant washable gloves.

Ohio agricultural and forest producers seeking to improve fire management and overall land stewardship can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers technical and financial assistance for working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Ohio invites landowners to enhance soil, water, habitat, and fire-related practices through customized five-year conservation contracts.

Qualifying Ohio fire departments and local government entities can apply for up to US $15,000 to purchase protective clothing, SCBA, communications gear, and other firefighting equipment. Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal supports firefighting and fire prevention in Ohio through this online-only Individual and Joint Equipment Grant program.

Ohio fire departments that provide primary fire protection to communities of 25,000 or fewer residents can receive reimbursement for approved training classes and related manuals and workbooks in Ohio. Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal offers this annual Fire Department Training Reimbursement Grant, with applications typically open from mid-December through mid-January.

Ohio fire departments seeking to purchase MARCS-compatible communication systems, equipment, or services can access funding through the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal. Eligible applicants in Ohio may receive up to US $50,000 to improve interoperable radio communications that support fire protection services.

AmeriCorps Funding

ServeOhio provides grants to organizations that demonstrate they will engage AmeriCorps Volunteers to provide a service intervention that addresses a critical need in Ohio. We offer two funding competitions each year - a formula funding competition in the spring and a competitive funding competition in the fall.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps Volunteers in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps Volunteer is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps Volunteers may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, AmeriCorps Volunteers earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Ohio can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind support to reduce transportation costs or obtain railroad equipment and materials. Fire departments and other first responder or military-serving organizations may benefit from donated intermodal transportation services and available retired rail cars or related railroad items.

Ohio students planning higher education in emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice, or EMS may be eligible for this scholarship supporting future first responders. Noble County Community Foundation’s Hutsell, Alan Scholarship Fund awards US $500 to one high school senior from Central Noble, East Noble, Wawasee, West Noble, or qualifying homeschool programs, for study at any accredited college or university.

Ohio students pursuing firefighting, first responder, or related emergency services degrees can receive higher education scholarships through the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Administered by Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this non-renewable award of approximately US $1,000 supports graduating high school seniors committed to community service and enrolling in accredited postsecondary programs.

Dependent children of currently employed firefighters can receive the John W. Burandt Scholarship to help cover tuition, fees, books, and other post-secondary education costs. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help Ohio firefighting and fire prevention families see an example of education-focused support for firefighter dependents, though this specific award is limited to Rochester, NY residents.

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.

Children and grandchildren of career or volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties can receive college scholarship support for full-time study at accredited U.S. two- or four-year institutions. Focused on higher education for firefighting families, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois offers an opportunity Ohio fire departments may share with eligible members who have Central Illinois ties.

Active uniform firefighters planning to attend an accredited college or university can apply for the Fayetteville Firefighters Scholarship, which supports higher education for those serving in firefighting. While managed by Cumberland Community Foundation in North Carolina, firefighters whose departments or careers connect to this region may be eligible alongside other southeastern applicants.

Individuals pursuing fire science or public safety education who live in Spearfish, SD, can receive scholarship support for college or technical training. Grants from South Dakota Community Foundation help Ohio fire and public safety personnel see an example of funding that supports advanced training and education in firefighting and fire prevention careers.

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.

Ohio fire-focused students can access funding through Community Foundation of the North State’s Matt Solus Memorial Scholarship Fund to pursue education in fire science or law enforcement. Eligible applicants are graduating from a Siskiyou County high school or attending College of the Siskiyous, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and plan to major in or show strong interest in police or fire science.

Current or former Boy Scouts pursuing higher education for fire service or emergency medical service careers can receive US $1,000 scholarships through the Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund. Ohio fire service volunteers or cadets with Boy Scout experience may be eligible if they have Fox Valley ties and meet Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley criteria.

High school seniors planning to study law enforcement at a two- or four-year college and living in eligible Minnesota counties can receive up to US $500 toward higher education. While not limited to firefighters, students connected to fire service communities in Ohio may find this CommunityGiving scholarship model informative when exploring similar local opportunities.

Motorola Solutions Foundation provides Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts with grants for first responder programming and technology and engineering education, including blended programs. Funding up to US $50,000 supports firefighter and other first responder training, leadership development, wellness, youth public-safety career pathways, and hands-on STEM activities, with an emphasis on underrepresented and underserved 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 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 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, provides a 50/50 cost-share opportunity aimed at enhancing rural fire departments. Eligible departments can secure funding for essential wildland fire equipment, personal protective gear, and communication devices. Grants are capped at $10,000, promoting community collaboration while ensuring departments meet specific eligibility requirements. This initiative supports the vital role of fire services in protecting Ohio's communities and natural resources.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.