Best Grants for Fire Departments in Nebraska

Agricultural producers and private forest landowners in Nebraska can apply for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Stewardship Program to enhance conservation on working lands. This national program offers technical and financial assistance for practices such as fire management, soil and water protection, and habitat improvement, which may benefit departments or partners engaged in wildfire prevention and land stewardship.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including independent volunteer emergency response organizations, can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, community vitality, workforce development, and environmental sustainability projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building efforts in communities served by Union Pacific, which may include fire and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Nebraska 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, including passive speed enforcement equipment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities, law enforcement, and educational institutions within the foundation’s multi-state and territory service area, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000.

Volunteer fire departments in Nebraska and across the U.S. can receive US $10,000 for essential safety and operational equipment, including PPE, communications tools, EMS and suppression gear, and related training and warranties. The National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm will fund 150 departments meeting volunteer, population, and revenue limits focused on firefighter safety and readiness.

Individuals planning undergraduate firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical training in Nebraska and nationwide can receive scholarship funding for tuition and related study costs. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides US $5,000 awards through a competitive, need-based program administered by Scholarship America for aspiring first responders, including eligible Firehouse Subs employees.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, CommunityGiving provides Nebraska fire service families with up to US $1,000 toward higher education. Dependent students of law enforcement officers, firefighters, or paramedics may qualify for the Brian Klinefelter Family Scholarship, supporting two- or four-year college studies through a one-time academic award.

High school seniors planning to study law enforcement at a two- or four-year college can apply for CommunityGiving’s Sartell Police Association and Brian Klinefelter Law Enforcement Scholarship; awards up to US $500 for tuition. Students must reside in specific Minnesota counties, so Nebraska fire service families may be eligible only if they meet these residency requirements.

Nebraska fire service and EMS education advocates can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley’s Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund. Current or former Boy Scouts from the Fox Valley pursuing higher education in fire service or emergency medical service may receive about US $1,000, typically as a one-year, non-renewable scholarship.

Nebraska fire departments and related organizations can access funding through scholarships that support Siskiyou County students pursuing fire science or law enforcement careers. Administered by Community Foundation of the North State, this fund aids graduating high school seniors or College of the Siskiyous students preparing for future roles in firefighting, public safety, and emergency response.

Individuals pursuing fire science or public safety education who live in Spearfish, SD can receive scholarship support for college, university, or technical college costs. Grants from South Dakota Community Foundation help students with financial need access training that supports firefighting and fire prevention careers, which may benefit Nebraska fire service volunteers and staff pursuing similar paths.

Active uniform firefighters pursuing accredited college or university study can apply for Cumberland Community Foundation’s Fayetteville Firefighters Scholarship, which supports higher education for those in the firefighting field. Nebraska fire departments may encourage eligible firefighters to seek this individual scholarship to advance their education and strengthen their professional skills.

Firefighter families in Nebraska seeking higher education support could benefit from this scholarship, which helps children and grandchildren of Central Illinois firefighters attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. Focused on education and firefighting communities, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois honors Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat’s legacy through these awards.

Nebraska students pursuing fire service, first responder, or related emergency management careers can receive higher education scholarships through the Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. Awards of approximately US $1,000 support tuition at accredited two- or four-year colleges, universities, or technical/trade schools for academically qualified, community-minded applicants.

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.

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.

Nebraska fire departments, wildfire councils, tribal authorities, and other 501(c)(3) or local government-backed groups can seek US $10,000 - US $75,000 for wildfire risk reduction and fire prevention projects on non-federal lands. Focused on community wildfire mitigation, Coalitions & Collaboratives supports capacity-building, planning, and on-the-ground work that fits broader community wildfire strategies.

Fire departments and rural safety organizations in Nebraska working on agricultural health, safety training, or fire prevention in farm settings can apply for CHS Foundation Ag Health and Safety Grants. National or multi-state projects that educate about ag dangers, develop on-farm safety guidelines, or support farmer and rancher well-being may be eligible.

Nebraska fire departments and EMS organizations needing a wireless backup camera for apparatus can apply for this equipment grant, if they are municipal or nonprofit and primarily volunteer or paid-per-call. Grants from Brothers Helping Brothers help small or rural agencies serving under 10,000 residents or with fewer than 30 employees across the U.S.

Small or rural fire departments and EMS organizations needing tools or lifesaving equipment in Nebraska and nationwide may be eligible for this funding. Focused on firefighting and emergency medical services, Brothers Helping Brothers invites municipal and nonprofit agencies serving under 10,000 residents or with mostly volunteer staff to apply for equipment support.

Fire and EMS organizations needing surplus firefighting equipment can apply for support from the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, with gear available from Long Island or Delaware. Nebraska fire departments may be eligible if requests come from a chief, commissioner, or board president, and must arrange pickup since equipment is not shipped.

Fire departments, volunteer fire companies, government agencies, schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nebraska can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support fire prevention, home safety, and community disaster readiness. Funding may also assist broader community development and education initiatives that complement firefighting and public safety efforts.

Nebraska 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts supporting first responder programming or technology and engineering education can apply for Motorola Solutions Foundation grants. Funding up to US $50,000 supports firefighter and other first responder training, safety and disaster preparedness education, and youth pathways into public safety, with emphasis on underserved and underrepresented communities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The First Responders Outreach (FRO) Grant, provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, supports essential resources for firefighters, police, and EMTs. This grant specifically targets First Responder Departments, allowing one application per year focused on equipment and training. It excludes funding for building costs and weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of those who protect our communities during emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to perform their vital roles effectively.

CSX Charitable Investments offers Community Service Grants to organizations that significantly impact their communities. These grants aim to support entities with tax-exempt status, government agencies, or educational institutions. The application process is open year-round, with responses expected within 30–45 days. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve military families and first responders, reflecting CSX's commitment to community service and support for local needs.