Fire Department Grant Resources

The NYSAFC Volunteer Chiefs Committee has compiled a list of notable grant options that are available to fire departments. These are examples of the types of opportunities available. Each department or district should reach out to their local community businesses and organizations and seek other applicable options specific to their area.

FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program
This program was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA.
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FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Under the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) grant program, career and volunteer fire departments and other eligible organizations can receive funding through three different grants to: enhance a fire department’s/safety organization’s ability to protect the health and safety of firefighters and the public; assist fire prevention programs and support firefighter health and safety research and development; and increase or maintain the number of trained "front line" firefighters available in communities.
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DHSES Targeted Grants
Various grants are available through the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services.
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DHSES Grants Program Administration
The Grants Program Administration (GPA) office administers several state and federal preparedness grant programs. Various grants are available. Guidance and resources are also available.
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Department of Environmental Conservation Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grant program is made possible by the Federal Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. The grant is a 50/50 matching funds program. Its purpose is to make funds available to fire departments in rural areas and rural communities for the purchase of eligible wildland firefighting suppression equipment such as portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, firefighting hand tools, fire hose, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, PPE, portable radios, portable generators, chainsaws and dry hydrant installation.
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Leary Firefighters Foundation
The Leary Firefighters Foundation considers grant requests for training, equipment, and technology for fire departments.
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Gary Sinise Foundation
Through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responders Outreach, grants are available to help provide critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure first responders perform to the best of their abilities.
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Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund
The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established after the tragic loss of 343 firefighters on September 11, 2001, to support  firefighters and their families. The fund also offers apparatus and equipment grants to fire departments.
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PERMA & NYSAFC Firefighter Risk Management Reduction MiniGrant Program
The Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA) partnered with NYSAFC in 2019 to establish the Firefighter Risk Management Reduction MiniGrant Program. The program provides financial assistance to fire departments that are members of both organizations for the purchase of gear washers and dryers. The opening of the application period is announced annually by both organizations.
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Norfolk Southern
The Safety First Grant Program is designed to promote overall community safety across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. This program is intended to support organizations that directly provide safety services or operate programs that promote safe behavior. Norfolk Southern values its relationship with first responders and established the Safety First program, in part, to recognize and support such groups.
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DASNY
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) is New York state's public finance and construction authority. DASNY administers capital grant programs on behalf of New York state that support community and economic development. Various grants are available.
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Other Resources
Local supermarkets, Walmart, etc. offer various levels of support. Local banks can provide various low cost financing, etc. Also seek out your local representatives in the New York State Assembly and Senate for additional opportunities.