Grant Resources for Fire Departments to Fund Equipment and Protective Gear
It's our pleasure to share critical information on grant opportunities to help your fire department secure funding for essential equipment and personal protective gear (PPE), such as turnout gear, SCBA units, extrication tools, and other safety resources. As many departments, particularly volunteer and rural ones, face budget constraints, these grants can bridge the gap to ensure your team is well-equipped to protect your community.
Key Grant Programs for Equipment and PPE
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Below is a summary of major grant programs tailored to fire departments, focusing on equipment and protective gear:
| Grant Program | Administered By | Eligible Expenses | Award Range | Application Notes |
| Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) | FEMA | PPE (turnout gear, SCBA), vehicles, wellness equipment, facility modifications. | Up to $1M+ (varies by population); micro-grants up to $75,000. | Apply via FEMA GO |
| Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) | FEMA | Safety equipment, fire prevention tools, research. | Varies, typically smaller than AFG. | Apply via FEMA GO |
| Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)/Capacity Grants | State agencies (e.g., USDA) | Basic equipment, PPE, training for rural volunteer departments. | Often under $5,000; 50% match required. | Contact state forestry/agriculture departments (e.g., MA DCR, NH DRED) |
| Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation | Private foundation | Life-saving equipment, including extrication tools and PPE. | Up to $25,000 average. | Quarterly deadlines; emphasize community impact. |
| National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Grants | National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Grants | Equipment donations, training, small grants via partnerships. | Small awards or in-kind donations. | Special Opportunities for Volunteer Fire, EMS, and Rescue Personnel |
Grant Writing Tips for Success
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Securing grants is competitive, especially for federal programs like AFG, where only a fraction of applications are funded. To maximize your chances:
- Define Specific Needs: Identify gaps (e.g., “30% of our PPE is outdated, risking firefighter safety”) during strategic planning.
- Be Data-Driven: Use metrics like call volume, budget gaps, or NFPA compliance.
- Craft a Clear Narrative: Tie requests to community safety benefits and align with grant priorities.
- Avoid Pitfalls: Write in your department’s unique voice (avoid AI or copied applications) and focus on one need per grant.
- Leverage Resources: Attend FEMA’s AFG webinars, review success stories, or take NVFC’s free Grant Writing for Fire and Emergency Services course.
- Consider Professional Help: If in-house expertise is limited, use free services from FireGrantsHelp or hire a grant writer with fire grant experience such as First Responder Grants.
- Start Early: Applications take months; create checklists and timelines. Highlight rural or underserved area needs for New England departments.
- Explore Smaller Grants: State and private grants (e.g., $5,000 VFA grants) are often easier to win for incremental gear purchases.
Next Steps
- Assess your department’s equipment and PPE needs.
- Research grants matching your needs at FireGrantsHelp.com or FEMA’s portal.
- Form a grant-writing team and start drafting applications well before deadlines.
- Monitor FY 2025 AFG announcements, typically opening in late fall.
By pursuing these opportunities, your department can secure the resources needed to keep firefighters safe and effective. For further assistance, contact us or the resources above. Together, we can strengthen New England’s fire services.
Our Commitment to Service
At Bergeron, we don't just sell products – we provide comprehensive support throughout their lifecycle. From custom fittings to on-site maintenance, our team of experts is here to keep your equipment in top condition.
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