
Grants & Funding
Find resources and tips for writing a successful application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant programs. Resources include the AFG and SAFER Grant Narrative Resource Center, a Grant-Writing Video Podcast, a SAFER Grant-Writing Audio Podcast, and more.
The NVFC has compiled a listing of federal grant and funding opportunities available for the fire and emergency services.
Federal Grants Wire
Federal Grants Wire is a free resource to search for information about available federal grants, government grants, and loans. The site offers over 1,800 federal grant and loan opportunities, organized by sponsoring agency, applicant type, and subject area to help you find funding opportunities applicable to your program and/or agency. There is also a searchable grant directory and index. Additionally, Federal Grants Wire has multiple resources which provide information such as the definition and classifications of federal grants, how to write grant proposals, tips on applying for federal grants, application eligibility requirements, and more.
Federal Grants Wire is a free resource to search for information about available federal grants, government grants, and loans. The site offers over 1,800 federal grant and loan opportunities, organized by sponsoring agency, applicant type, and subject area to help you find funding opportunities applicable to your program and/or agency. There is also a searchable grant directory and index. Additionally, Federal Grants Wire has multiple resources which provide information such as the definition and classifications of federal grants, how to write grant proposals, tips on applying for federal grants, application eligibility requirements, and more.
FireGrantsHelp's mission is to provide firefighters and departments with a comprehensive resource for grant information and assistance. FireGrantsHelp features the most extensive fire grant database ever created, with a library of information not only for federal grant programs, but also state, local and corporate grant opportunities. FireGrantsHelp features a grant database that allows users to spend less time searching for grants and more time on research and grant writing. FireGrantsHelp.com also offers users a multitude of grant assistance tools such as: research guidance, grant writing tips, grant resources, tools, news, and much more.
- Free Grant Assistance: FireGrantsHelp grant assistance program includes a number of options for departments seeking assistance in securing grant funding. Grant assistance is available by filling out a request form from one of the major Fire and EMS category segments. Once a department submits a form, there are three options for assistance: Informational Grant Package, Grant Review, and Grant Writing. Click here for more details.
G&T, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Preparedness Directorate, is responsible for preparing the nation against terrorism by assisting states, local and tribal jurisdictions, and regional authorities as they prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist acts. G&T provides a broad array of assistance to America's first responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.
The Department of Homeland Security enhances the ability of states, local, and tribal jurisdictions, and other regional authorities in the preparation, prevention, and response to terrorist attacks and other disasters, by distributing grant funds. Localities can use grants for planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs. This web page lists Homeland Security Grants, Preparedness Grants, and other available grants, as well as information for finding and applying for grants and grant administration resources.
2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
The 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) will award almost $1.7 billion to enhance the ability of states, territories, and urban areas to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks and other major disasters. HSGP funds can be used for preparedness planning, equipment acquisition, training, exercises, management, and administration in order to obtain resources that are critical to building and sustaining capabilities that are aligned with the Interim National Preparedness Goal and respective State and Urban Area Homeland Security Strategies.
The 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) will award almost $1.7 billion to enhance the ability of states, territories, and urban areas to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks and other major disasters. HSGP funds can be used for preparedness planning, equipment acquisition, training, exercises, management, and administration in order to obtain resources that are critical to building and sustaining capabilities that are aligned with the Interim National Preparedness Goal and respective State and Urban Area Homeland Security Strategies.
The NVFC has compiled information on available Terrorism Awareness grant and funding resources.
FY 2009 Preparedness Grant Programs
FEMA announced final allocations for FY 2009 Preparedness Grants for 10 federal grant programs totals nearly $970 million in federal funding to assist state, local, and tribal governments and private industry in strengthening community preparedness. Awards will be made on a rolling basis over the summer. From 2003 through 2009, more than $26.7 billion will have been provided to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, or other emergencies.
FEMA announced final allocations for FY 2009 Preparedness Grants for 10 federal grant programs totals nearly $970 million in federal funding to assist state, local, and tribal governments and private industry in strengthening community preparedness. Awards will be made on a rolling basis over the summer. From 2003 through 2009, more than $26.7 billion will have been provided to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, or other emergencies.
The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade program provides grants to fire departments located near the company's facilities, as well as the donation of products and safety materials for presentations in local schools. For more information, visit www.gp.com/aboutus/bucketbrigade/index.html or contact gpbucketbrigade@gapac.com. To view a listing of Georgia-Pacific communities, visit http://www.gp.com/facilitydirectory/index.asp. The application period for the 2010 grants is now open. Learn more about the program.
Through Operation Ranger, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) assists America's emergency responders by donating versatile, off-road utility vehicles to organizations across the country. Since 2002, Operation Ranger has provided over 460 vehicles to fire-rescue, police, emergency medical services, emergency management, and wildlife law enforcement organizations nationwide. The 2010 grant application period is now open through January 29, 2010. Apply at www.giftsinkind.org/operationranger.
FM Global Fire Prevention Grants
Commercial property insurer FM Global is accepting applications for 2009 Fire Prevention Grants. Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants that can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause. FM Global awarded $245,000 in Fire Prevention Grants in 2007. These grants helped nearly 100 national, state, regional, local, and community organizations more effectively prevent fire – the leading cause of property destruction. During the past three decades, grants have helped to bolster loss prevention initiatives, like community education, prefire planning, and arson prevention, to name a few.
Commercial property insurer FM Global is accepting applications for 2009 Fire Prevention Grants. Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants that can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause. FM Global awarded $245,000 in Fire Prevention Grants in 2007. These grants helped nearly 100 national, state, regional, local, and community organizations more effectively prevent fire – the leading cause of property destruction. During the past three decades, grants have helped to bolster loss prevention initiatives, like community education, prefire planning, and arson prevention, to name a few.
Funding Alternatives for Fire and Emergency Services
The U.S. Fire Administration developed this manual to provide fire and EMS departments information on locating and implementing both traditional and nontraditional methods of funding. Download a copy from the USFA Publications Center.

The U.S. Fire Administration developed this manual to provide fire and EMS departments information on locating and implementing both traditional and nontraditional methods of funding. Download a copy from the USFA Publications Center.
The International Fire Relief Mission was founded in 2007. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that collects used fire and EMS equipment and delivers it to poorly funded fire departments in developing nations. Its mission is to save firefighter and civilian lives through better equipment and education. If your department has surpluss equipment and would like to learn more about donating to IFRM, visit www.ifrm2007.com or contact Ron Gruening, President, at rgruening@ifrm2007.com or 612-669-8500.Resources
- Training & Education
- Grants & Funding
- Federal Government Funding
- Terrorism Awareness Grants and Funding
- AFG and SAFER Grant-Writing Resources
- Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade Grant
- Regulations & Standards
- Retention & Recruitment
- Capitol Hill Connection
- State Benefits Guide
- In the Line of Duty
- Cost Savings Calculators
- National Fire Service Resource Guide
- Preparedness Resources
- Volunteer Advocacy
- Health and Safety



