Grants for Fire Departments
Fire departments can access federal and state grants for equipment purchases, apparatus replacement, firefighter training, station construction, and staffing support. The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs are the primary federal funding sources. Below are 446 verified grant opportunities from government agencies.
Types of Grants Available
Equipment & Apparatus
Fire engines, ladder trucks, rescue vehicles, breathing apparatus, turnout gear, radios, and firefighting equipment.
Staffing (SAFER)
Hiring and retention grants to increase firefighter staffing levels and improve response capabilities.
Training & Certification
Firefighter training courses, EMT certification, hazmat response, technical rescue, and leadership development.
Station Construction
Fire station construction, renovation, emergency operations centers, and facility improvements.
Eligibility Requirements
Most fire department grants are available to career, volunteer, and combination departments. Specific eligibility varies by program:
- Department Type: Career, volunteer, or combination fire departments serving populations of all sizes
- Legal Status: Must be a legally constituted public or nonprofit fire department
- Service Area: Must provide fire suppression services to a specific geographic area
- Cost Sharing: Federal AFG grants typically require 5-20% local match (waived for small/rural departments)
- Financial Hardship: Waivers available for departments demonstrating economic hardship or serving disadvantaged communities
Available Grant Opportunities
These grants are currently accepting applications. Each links to the official government agency page where you can review eligibility and apply.
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
Engineering Design and Systems Engineering
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
Dynamics, Control and Systems Diagnostics
Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03)
Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems
Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems
Vet-LIRN Capacity-Building Project and Equipment Grants (U18)
Combustion and Fire Systems
NPS Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Master Cooperative Agreements
FOUNDATIONS OF TRUSTED SYSTEMS
NSF-DFG Lead Agency Opportunity in Chemistry and Chemical Process and Transport Systems
Infrastructure Systems and People
CHIPS Incentives Program – Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment
COE for Technical Training and Human Performance
Correctness for Scientific Computing Systems
Manufacturing Systems Integration
Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics
Engineering of Biomedical Systems
Showing 50 of 446 grants
Browse All GrantsHow to Apply for Fire Department Grants
- Register with FEMA Grants Portal - Create an account at portal.fema.gov for AFG and SAFER applications.
- Obtain DUNS/SAM Registration - Register your department with Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number) and SAM.gov before applying for federal grants.
- Prepare Documentation - Gather financial statements, population data, call volume reports, equipment inventories, and budget projections.
- Complete Application - Submit detailed project narratives, cost estimates, and supporting documentation through the official grant portal.
- Track Application - Monitor application status and respond promptly to requests for additional information or clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the AFG grant application period open?
The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) typically opens in late fall/early winter each year (November-January). The application period is usually open for 30-45 days. SAFER staffing grants often open on a different schedule in early spring. Check the FEMA Grants Portal for current application periods and announcements.
Do volunteer fire departments qualify for federal grants?
Yes, volunteer fire departments are eligible for AFG, SAFER, and other federal fire grants. In fact, many grant programs prioritize volunteer and combination departments, particularly those serving rural or economically disadvantaged communities. Cost-sharing requirements (local match) are often reduced or waived for volunteer departments demonstrating financial hardship.
What is the cost-sharing requirement for AFG grants?
Standard AFG grants require a 5-10% local match, though this can increase to 20% for larger departments. However, waivers are available for: (1) departments with high economic need, (2) rural communities with populations under 10,000, and (3) departments serving federally-designated economically disadvantaged areas. Small volunteer departments often qualify for complete cost-share waivers.
How long does it take to receive grant funding after approval?
AFG and SAFER grant awards are typically announced 6-9 months after the application deadline. Once awarded, departments must complete additional paperwork (grant agreements, environmental reviews, etc.) before funds are released. From application to receiving funds usually takes 9-12 months. Some state programs may have faster timelines.
Can we apply for multiple grants in the same year?
Yes, fire departments can apply for multiple grant programs simultaneously. You can submit separate AFG applications for equipment and training, apply for SAFER staffing grants, and pursue state-level funding—all in the same year. However, you cannot request funding for the same expenses from multiple federal sources (no double-dipping).
What makes a strong AFG grant application?
Strong applications demonstrate clear need with data (call volume, response times, equipment age), show community risk (population density, hazards, ISO rating), provide detailed cost estimates with vendor quotes, explain how funding improves service delivery, and demonstrate local support with letters from community leaders. Include photos of aging equipment and station conditions to strengthen your narrative.
Fire Department Grant Resources
FEMA Fire Grants
Official portal for Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and SAFER staffing programs.
Visit FEMA Grants →National Fire Protection Association
Grant writing resources, equipment standards, training materials, and firefighter safety guidance.
Visit NFPA →SAM.gov Registration
Register your department to receive federal grants. Required before applying for AFG, SAFER, or other federal funding.
Register at SAM.gov →FireGrantsHelp
Grant writing assistance, application reviews, and technical support specifically for fire departments.
Get Grant Help →