Funding Sources For Fire Station Alerting Technology

Introduction

Although Fire-EMS departments primarily are funded by local governments, which use taxes to cover the cost of salaries, training, and equipment, there are other possible sources of funding for the purchase of technology & equipment. These include federal sources, state sources, and private sources.

Funding requests can be submitted based on multiple scenarios, depending on the parameters and guidelines from individual funding sources. The top 2 funding scenarios include:

• General funding requests for fire station alerting systems and technology + add-ons
• Funding requests for technology and equipment for firefighter / paramedic health & wellness

“Note: When Fire-EMS departments are seeking funding for zoned fire station alerting systems and/or ramped alert tone functionality, those requests can qualify for both general funding requests and funding requests for firefighter / paramedic health & wellness.

To help justify expenditures to improve first responder health and wellness, Locution Systems has collected extensive medical research and produced comprehensive white papers on:

• The Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation on First Responders (which is mitigated by Zoned Fire Station Alerting); and
• The Negative Effects of Noise Stress on First Responders (which is mitigated by ramped station alerting tones and HeartSaver tones).

These white papers and the medical research contained within them help show the importance and necessity of deploying zoned fire station alerting and ramped alert tones and HeartSaver tones for the health and wellness of first responders.

Download Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation White Paper    Download Negative Effects of Noise Stress White Paper

U.S. Federal Grants For Fire-EMS Equipment & Training

The US government provides funding for fire departments through grants and other programs, including the following.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) – FEMA

AFG grants help fire departments and emergency medical services obtain equipment, training, and other resources to protect the public and first responders. Eligible fire departments include fire departments operating in any of the 50 states, as well as fire departments in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any federally recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization. A fire department is defined as an agency or organization having a formally recognized arrangement with a state, local, tribal or territorial authority (city, county, parish, fire district, township, town or other governing body) to provide fire suppression to a population within a geographically fixed primary first due response area.

• AFG Grant Goal: Enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards.
• AFG Grant Objectives: Provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, outfit responders with compliant personal protective equipment to increase responders’ physical protection against hazards during incident response, provide funding to retrofit or modify facilities to protect personnel from known health hazards, acquire emergency response vehicles, design and implement health, wellness and resiliency programs that prepare responders for incident response, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants

Part of the Assistance To Firefighters Grant program (AFG), these grants support projects that improve the safety of firefighters and the public from fire and related hazards.
Here are some tips for getting grants for fire departments:

• Most grant programs are only open once a year.
• Getting grant funding can be very competitive.
• Identify your funding needs before writing a grant proposal.
• Tailor your proposal to the specific requirements of each grant.
• Submit applications as soon as possible.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

States (and cities with more than 50,000 people) apply for CDBG grants under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the fire department can often qualify for the money that will be passed on to local communities. Most of the money that goes to fire departments is to build or improve fire stations. In most states the Commerce Department or other similar office is the contact point for applying in the larger cities, city governments run the CDBG programs.

A “Community Development Block Grant” (CDBG) can be used to fund fire station improvements, allowing communities to utilize the grant money to renovate existing fire stations, construct new ones, or purchase essential equipment, all aimed at enhancing public safety within low- to moderate-income areas.

Key points about using CDBG for fire station improvements:

• Eligible activities: CDBG funds can be used for various fire station improvements like building renovations, adding accessibility features, upgrading fire apparatus, installing new communication systems, and enhancing training facilities.
• Community focus: CDBG prioritizes projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities, so fire station improvements in such areas often are eligible for funding.
  *Note: The addition of fire station alerting systems are known to improve response times – and the improved response times can be used to justify the benefit to local, low-income populations.
• Application process: To access CDBG funds for fire station improvements, local governments need to submit a detailed application outlining the project’s need, budget, and impact on the community.

Examples of fire station improvements funded by CDBG:

• Building renovations: Expanding the size of a fire station to accommodate new equipment, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, or updating outdated infrastructure.
• New fire station construction: Building a new fire station in an area with inadequate coverage or an outdated facility.
• Equipment upgrades: Purchasing new fire trucks, specialized rescue equipment, or advanced life support equipment.
• Training facility enhancements: Creating dedicated training spaces within the fire station to improve firefighter skills.

To apply for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for fire station improvements, fire departments should contact their local government agency responsible for administering CDBG funds, typically the city or county planning department, and submit a comprehensive application that includes:

• Details of the proposed fire station improvements
• Justification of how the improvements will benefit low- to moderate-income residents within the community; and
• Project costs and funding needs

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program

The USDA’s Rural Housing Service and Community Facilities Grant program can pay up to 75% of costs for fire and rescue buildings and equipment under certain circumstances. The grants are designed to make essential community services available in rural areas with populations under 20,000. Grant amounts depend on median household income and population. Fire departments should apply to their USDA Rural Development field office or state office.

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a central “clearinghouse” website to find & apply for federal grants through the U.S. Fire Administration.

Fire-EMS Department Grant Opportunities – By STATE

State sources of funding include the following.

ALABAMA

During the COVID pandemic, the state of Alabama offered grants up to $10,320 for volunteer fire departments (VFDs) that meet eligibility requirements. Fire departments in Alabama seeking grants through this program post-COVID should contact the Alabama Forestry Commission at: (334) 353-2749.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-ALABAMA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

ALASKA

Rural & Volunteer Fire Department Grants

Fire safety grant programs in Alaska primarily are focused on wildland firefighting and rural or volunteer fire departments. The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program aids with training, equipment purchases, and prevention activities. These grants are in place to increase firefighter safety, improve the firefighting capabilities of rural volunteer fire departments, and enhance protection in the urban-to-wildland transition areas.

Fire Departments In Unincorporated Areas Grants

In addition, there are a number of Community Assistance programs for unincorporated communities. The state of Alaska allocates funds to Alaskan communities each year through this program. Grantees have included both full-time fire departments and volunteer fire departments.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-ALASKA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

ARIZONA

The state of Arizona offers a variety of grant programs related to firefighting. The most appropriate category for assistance with grants to pay for a fire station alerting system is Training and Equipment. For more detailed information on the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management grants which has FAQs and more details information on various grant opportunities, visit: https://sites.google.com/dffm.az.gov/dffm-grants-resources/home 

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-ARIZONA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

ARKANSAS

Fire Services Grant – Arkansas Division of Emergency Management

The Fire Protection Service Grant is available to rural and municipal volunteer fire departments for the purchase of fire equipment and supplies.

Arkansas Rural Services Block Grant

The RSBGP funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, or multi-purpose buildings, and the purchase of fire trucks (pumper, tanker, brush, or certain service trucks. These grants are made possible through a partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Applicants are eligible for up to $100,000. Grants are available to incorporated towns and rural communities with a population of less than 3,000. In addition, the community population must be at least 51% low-to-moderate income levels.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-ARKANSAS

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

CALIFORNIA

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation offers competitive grants throughout the year to California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, and community organizations. Focus areas include:

• Vegetation, mitigation & fuels reduction
• Planning, public education, and community outreach
• Personal protective equipment
• Specialized firefighting equipment
• First responder training
• Relief & recovery

CAL FIRE Grants

CAL FIRE provides grants to improve firefighting capacity throughout the state, as well as grants to restore forest health and bolster wildfire prevention.
California provides a variety of grants targeted specifically at wildland fire mitigation, with a focus on fire prevention activities, improvement of forest health, and to enhance community resilience.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-CALIFORNIA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

COLORADO

California Fire Foundation

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) provides grants for volunteer, combination and career fire, and rescue companies intended to help them improve and enhance their capabilities to provide firefighting, and rescue services. There are grants in place for a variety of Fire-EMS equipment funding needs.

Firefighter Safety & Disease Prevention Grant

Provides funding or reimbursement for equipment designed to increase firefighter safety and prevent occupation-related diseases. This grant would be appropriate for seeking funding for ZONED FIRE STATION ALERTING (to mitigate the negative health effects of sleep deprivation in first responders) and for RAMPED ALERT TONES & HEARTSAVER TONES. Email FFSDPGrant@state.co.us

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-COLORADO

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

CONNECTICUT

Firefighter Support Grant Program-Connecticut Water

This program from Connecticut Water awards up to $20,000 in grants annually to fire and emergency organizations in their service areas. Grants can be used to purchase equipment, training materials, and other firefighting tools. Grants per fire department are a maximum of $2,000.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-CONNECTICUT

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

DELAWARE

The state of Delaware offers a variety of grants – many of which are focused on wildland firefighting and Delaware volunteer fire departments. Currently, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association has a revolving loan fund. The bulk of grants awarded to Delaware fire departments originate from the federal fire service grant programs. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-DELAWARE

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

FLORIDA

Florida State Fire Marshal Grants

This Firefighter Assistance Grant Program provides financial assistance to improve emergency response capabilities of volunteer and combination fire departments. Grants can be used for training, PPE, SCBAs and cost-share subsidies for apparatus. This program is from the Florida State Fire Marshal Fire Grants.

Florida Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grants

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. A combination of grants, low-interest direct loans and combinations of the two are available. Community facilities are defined as fire stations, healthcare facilities, local food providers such as community gardens & food pantries, and more. Communities that are eligible to seek grants or loans from this program are:

• Communities with a population of 5,500 or less
• Low-income communities with a median household income below 80% of Florida’s median household income.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-FLORIDA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

GEORGIA

The state of Georgia has a series of grant programs primarily for volunteer fire departments and emergency management projects such as flood mitigation programs. Aside from this, the bulk of grants for firefighting equipment are from federal grants. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-GEORGIA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

HAWAII

In Hawaii, the most likely grant program to access funding for fire station improvements is the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). AFG grants can provide funding for equipment, training, fire station modifications and improvement – with the goal of enhancing firefighter safety and operational efficiency. See Section 2a for information on federal AFG grants.

In addition, Hawaii offers Community Development Block Grants, as part of the Office of Housing and Community Development. Fire station improvements, such as the addition of fire station alerting, can be justified because of the improvements in response times. Eligibility for grants is tied to fire stations located in areas where persons of low- to moderate incomes reside.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-HAWAII

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

IDAHO

Idaho Department of Lands Grants Program

The Idaho Department of Lands is a one-stop shop for all grants administered by the Idaho Department of Lands. The focus of many grants offered through this department is wildland firefighting and prevention.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-IDAHO

ILLINOIS

Illinois Fire Station Rehabilitation And Construction Grant Program

This program provides grant funds of up to $350,000 for the rehabilitation and construction of fire stations operated by units of local government. The primary objective of this grant program is to provide funding for fire departments that lack the resources to repair, upgrade, or pay for the build-out of a new fire station.

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Fire Station Improvement Grant Program

This grant program provides grants for the rehabilitation or construction of fire stations. To apply for grants through this program, fire departments must also register with the state’s Grantee Portal. Fire departments may apply for grants up to $350,000.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-ILLINOIS

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

INDIANA

Indiana has several grant programs that may be able to help with fire station improvements, including grants for volunteer fire departments and fire training infrastructure grants. However, the most likely source of funding for fire station improvements such as fire station alerting include federal grants, and the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-INDIANA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

IOWA

Local Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Service Providers Grant Program (LFPEMS)

This grant program is funded with the monies from the Iowa consumer fireworks fee fund. The grant application period for 2024-2025 is closed. The 2025-2026 grant application period will open on May 1, 2025, and applications will be accepted through June 30, 2025. The director of this program has the sole discretion for determining whether or not to award funds from the grant program, and the amount of funds awarded. Authorized applications are any local fire protection service provider or EMS service provider in the state of Iowa. Special programs within a fire department or EMS department may apply for grant monies so long as they are authorized to do so by their respective departments.

Sept 2024 Iowa News: Des Moines Fire Department receives grants for firefighter health and safety

One source of funding was a federal Assistance For Firefighters Grant. The other source of funding was a Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows, Iowa. This shows the importance of seeking grants for technology that improves the health and safety of firefighters, i.e., zoned station alerting to mitigate sleep deprivation and ramped alert tones to mitigate the negative health effects of occupational noise in fire stations such as klaxon alarms.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-IOWA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

KANSAS

Kansas has a variety of grant programs that can potentially help with fire station improvements, including a Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program, a rural fire protection infrastructure program, and more. In June of 2024, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that more than $6.2 million was awarded to Fire-EMS and law enforcement agencies through the Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant Program.

Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant Program (LSSE)

The Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant Program provides funds for the purpose of improving the accessibility and efficiency of emergency services to Kansans through investments to modernize information technology, infrastructure, continuity of operations, safety and security. These funds will support equipment upgrades to emergency response systems and/or law enforcement operations. Eligible applicants include fire departments, 911 centers, law enforcement agencies and EMS. Note: $6.2 million already has been provided to various public safety agencies in Kansas. Applications are not being accepted at this time – but may open up once new year’s budgets are introduced.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-KANSAS

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky offers several grants to fund investments in fire station technology, including:

Kentucky League of Cities

This program offers grants of up to $25,000 for training, technology, and equipment for paid and volunteer fire departments. Areas of support include grants for technology, equipment that enhances the health and safety of firefighters, and training.

Kentucky Fire Commission Grants

The Kentucky Fire Commission offers grants in a number of areas. They offer grants for health & wellness that includes CPAT testing, peer fitness training. The commission also periodically provides funds to purchase health & wellness equipment for fire departments. This could potentially include seeking funds for zoned station alerting (to mitigate the negative health effects of sleep deprivation) and ramped fire station alerting tones (to mitigate the negative health effects of occupational noise in fire stations from klaxons and other alarms.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-KENTUCKY

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

LOUISIANA

Grants available to Louisiana fire departments are primarily focused on volunteer fire departments. The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry helps rural fire departments with firefighting equipment. Eligible rural fire departments must serve communities of 10,000 or fewer residents, with 80% of the personnel designated as volunteers.

More robust grants for fire station alerting systems would have to come from federal grants, with a primary focus on FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-LOUISIANA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MAINE

Maine Municipal Association Grants

The MMA offers grants related to firefighter safety, with a primary focus on diesel exhaust systems for apparatus bays and extractor washing machines to clean toxic materials out of firefighter gear and clothing. For 2025, the MMA will distribute $250,000 in grants. Given that the focus of these grants are general firefighter health and safety, as well as cancer prevention, fire station alerting technologies that promote health and wellness would be the most likely justification for applying. (Zoned fire station alerting & ramped alert tones in fire stations improve firefighter health & wellness.)

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MAINE

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MARYLAND

Maryland offers several grants and programs for fire departments. However, the grants available focus primarily on financial and technical assistance to rural volunteer fire departments, and a grants / low-interest loan program from the Maryland State Firefighter’s Association for adding or replacing apparatus in the fire department’s fleet. Maryland fire departments also can apply for federal grants through Grants.gov. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MARYLAND

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MASSACHUSETTS

Firefighter Safety & Equipment Grant Program

In February 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5 million in grant awards to 321 Massachusetts fire departments through the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program would be awarded in 2024. Typical items funded through this grant program include communications equipment, extraction equipment, PPE, washers & dryers, and more. The application period for 2025 grants ended in October of 2024.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MASSACHUSETTS

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MICHIGAN

The MI Fire Equipment Grant Program was established to provide funding for the purchase of fire equipment for part-time, on-call firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Grant programs for fire station alerting technology would have to be pursued through federal grants or private grants through non-profits and foundations. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MICHIGAN

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MINNESOTA

The state of Minnesota offers a variety of grants, primarily for rural and volunteer fire departments, and for expanding interoperability among Minnesota fire departments. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MINNESOTA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MISSISSIPPI

Grants for fire departments in the state of Mississippi focus primarily on providing funding for eligible rural volunteer fire departments to buy wildland firefighting equipment. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MISSISSIPPI

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MISSOURI

The state of Missouri offers a variety of grants, primarily for rural and volunteer fire departments, and for expanding interoperability among Minnesota fire departments. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MISSOURI

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

MONTANA

Montana offers a variety of grants for the fire service, including grants for mutual aid in fighting wildland fires and supporting rural volunteer fire departments with the tools, training & safety equipment needed to perform their work safely and efficiently. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-MONTANA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NEBRASKA

Grants that are specific to the state of Nebraska (vs. federal grants) are focused on: financial and technical assistance to volunteer fire departments in cities and communities with a population under 10,000; monies to replace aging ambulance fleets in rural areas; and more.

Jack Lewis Safety Fund Grants

This grant program honors the work of Dr. Jack K. Lewis as a physician and as an advocate for public safety. This grant fund supports police, fire, or EMT departments in Nebraska communities in Mills, Harris, and Pottawattamie Counties, with 5,000 or fewer residents. Grants can be requested for equipment, personal protection gear, or training. The maximum grant amount considered is $50,000; the average grant distribution is approximately $10,000.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEBRASKA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns in Nebraska with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NEVADA

Grant opportunities for fire departments in the state of Nevada focus primarily on single volunteer fire departments in rural areas or communities with a population of less than 10,000. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEVADA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The state of New Hampshire offers several types of grants for fire departments including financial & technical assistance to New Hampshire fire departments in cities or communities with a population under 10,000, with a focus on wildland firefighting. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEW HAMPSHIRE

This program provides grants & affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities such as fire stations, hospitals, street improvements, libraries, schools & more. Grants and low-interest direct loans, or a combination of the two, are available. Eligible areas are cities, villages, townships, federally recognized tribal lands with no more than 20,000 residents.

NEW JERSEY

The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Local Government Services. Fire departments can use the grant funding for protective gear, cleaning & advanced cleaning equipment, oxygen equipment, PPE and more. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEW JERSEY

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NEW MEXICO

In August of 2024, the state of New Mexico provided $24.9 million in grants to help fund the salaries of 190 firefighters & EMTs through 2027. Other grants to public safety by the state of New Mexico focus on support from the US Forest Service to volunteer fire departments involved in wildland firefighting.

New Mexico Fire Grant Council Grants

The New Mexico Fire Grant Council offers the ability for fire departments to apply for grants for a specific fire department, for a county-wide project, and for stipends for volunteer firefighters. The maximum amount awarded to a single fire department applicant cannot exceed $600,000 for apparatus or new construction. The maximum amount awarded to an individual fire department or country-wide grant cannot exceed $500,000 for facility improvements or repairs, infrastructure projects, or radio deployments.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEW MEXICO

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NEW YORK

Career New York fire departments are primarily receiving funding from federal funding sources through FEMA. Grants that have been awarded from the state of New York have primarily been for volunteer fire departments in rural areas. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NEW YORK

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NORTH CAROLINA

The state of North Carolina offers grants primarily for volunteer fire departments throughout the state. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NORTH CAROLINA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

NORTH DAKOTA

Fire service grant opportunities in North Dakota are more centered on volunteer fire departments, cooperative, mutual aid agreements among VFDs, and wildland firefighting capabilities. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-NORTH DAKOTA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

OHIO

Grants for fire departments from the state of Ohio include grants for training, multi-agency radio communication systems, and interoperability. Roughly 50% of the state’s fire service grant funds are being earmarked for volunteer fire departments. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-OHIO

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma offers grants to fire departments primarily aimed at rural defense, i.e., funding to rural volunteer fire departments serving communities with populations of less than 10,000 that depend fully or partially on volunteer firefighters.

Fire Department Operational Assistance Grants-OKLAHOMA

This grant is supplied by Oklahoma Forestry Services. Eligible applicants are fire departments in incorporated cities (under 10,000 population), towns, and legally formed fire departments in Oklahoma. Operational grants can be used for purchase, construction, maintenance, repair and operation of fire stations, fire apparatus, or fire equipment, land purchases, fire hydrants, and more.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-OKLAHOMA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

OREGON

Fire department grants offered through the state of Oregon include support for staffing increases, wildland firefighting, fire hardening programs, funding for volunteer fire departments, and more. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-OREGON

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

PENNSYLVANIA

Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant

This is an annual grant program available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads. Projects eligible for funding a construction saving account for the purpose of constructing a new facility, equipment, training, and overtime costs of backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-PENNSYLVANIA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

RHODE ISLAND

The state of Rhode Island offers grant funding for firefighter fitness programs, volunteer fire assistance, wildland firefighting, extra staffing, and wildfire defense programs. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-RHODE ISLAND

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Grant funding for public safety from the state of South Carolina is focused mainly on staffing increases, support for rural, volunteer fire departments, wildland firefighting and wildland fire defense. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-SOUTH CAROLINA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

SOUTH DAKOTA

The state of South Dakota primarily offers state grants for firefighter education, equipment for volunteer fire departments, and more. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-SOUTH DAKOTA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

TENNESSEE

At the state level, Tennessee offers state grants for volunteer fire departments, a rescue squad grant program, and a Department of Agriculture Volunteer Fire Assistance Program. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-TENNESSEE

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

TEXAS

TIFMAS Grant Assistance Program

The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Grant Assistance Program provides reimbursement grants to career fire departments and combination fire departments not eligible for grant assistance under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The program provides $1 million in grant assistance annually, with $800,000 dedicated to TIFMAS vehicles and $200,000 dedicated to all other grant categories.

VFIS of Texas Health & Wellness Grant Program

VFIS of Texas provides grants for health and wellness items for firefighters, including physical, exercise equipment, decon cloths/wipes, cancer prevention items, and general health & wellness. This grant program would be appropriate for pursuit of funding for station alerting that promotes first responder health & wellness, i.e., zoned fire station alerting to mitigate the negative effects of sleep deprivation and ramped tone alerts to mitigate the negative effects of occupational noise in fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-TEXAS

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

UTAH

Utah Fire Department Assistance Grants

This grant program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands to aid Utah’s fire departments. Its primary objective is to assist communities in organizing, training & equipping fire departments.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-UTAH

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

VERMONT

Vermont Bond Bank Pooled Loans

Vermont’s municipalities are modernizing fire stations to enhance safety for firefighters, improve operations and efficiency, and meet equipment size for growing communities. Below are funding opportunities we’ve identified to support your efforts. Consult program-specific guidance for additional information.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-VERMONT

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

VIRGINIA

Virginia Department of Fire Programs Mini-Grant Program

The purpose of this grant program is to enhance fire department’s economic burden. Individual mini-grant award amounts are based on need. The maximum amount per jurisdiction annually is $30,000.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-VIRGINIA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

WASHINGTON

The state of Washington’s grant opportunities for fire departments are focused on wildland firefighting and volunteer departments in rural areas. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-WASHINGTON

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

WEST VIRGINIA

The state of West Virginia’s grant programs for fire departments mostly focus on volunteer fire departments, firefighter training programs, and PPE for individual first responders. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-WEST VIRGINIA

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

WISCONSIN

Grants to fire departments from the state of Wisconsin focus on staffing, wildland firefighting, PPE, and training. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-WISCONSIN

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

WYOMING

Grant opportunities for fire departments in Wyoming focus on wildland firefighting and volunteer fire departments. See Section 2a for information on federal grants for fire departments seeking to fund investments in fire station alerting. The USDA’s Community Facilities Grants also may be used for obtaining funds for improving or building new fire stations.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program-WYOMING

This program provides grants and/or affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in cities, villages, townships, and towns with less than 20,000 residents. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential facilities such as fire stations, police stations, medical facilities, town halls, local food systems such as food pantries and greenhouses, and more. Funding options include grants and low-interest direct loans.

Nonprofits & Foundations That Provide Fire Department Grants

Nonprofits and foundations also provide funding for fire departments in the United States, including the following.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

A maximum of 600 grant applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis. Once the maximum number of applications is met, the site will close for the remainder of the quarter. Please apply early in order to secure your request. Important: They ask that applicants wait a minimum of three years before reapplying following a grant approval. The maximum dollar amount per request this quarter will be $45,000.

Grant Award Notifications, both approvals and denials, will be emailed prior to the portal reopening date each quarter.

The grant portal opens at 10 AM ET on the following dates:

• Quarter 2 2025: Thursday, January 9, 2025
• Quarter 3 2025: Thursday, April 3, 2025
• Quarter 4 2025: Thursday, July 10, 2025
• Quarter 1 2026: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Please note: The above application information is for U.S. applicants only.

Gary Sinise Foundation

Through the Gary Sinise Foundation 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.

The Leary Firefighters Foundation

The Leary Firefighters Foundation funds equipment, vehicles, education, training, and technology for firefighters nationwide. The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of his cousin, a childhood friend, and four other firefighters. Grant sizes vary but typically range from $5,000 to $25,000; occasionally the Foundation makes larger grants. To be considered for funding, complete the LOI form and upload a brief Letter of Inquiry via the grant’s portal.

Union Pacific Foundation

This foundation provides grants between $5,000-$30,000 for public safety, cultural institutions, and library services.

Third-Party Grant Services

To assist in finding additional sources of funding, some third parties services are available, including the following:

GrantWatch

GrantWatch.com is a paid, online platform that offers subscriptions to provide information on grants from federal sources and philanthropic foundations. Subscription prices range from $18/week with 24/7 access for one week; $45/ month with 24/7 access for one month; $90/quarterly with 24/7 access for 3 months, or $199/annually with 24/7 access to the GrantWatch database for a full year. This platform also provides contacts to professional grant writers.

Fire Grants Help

FireGrantsHelp is a technology platform that provides an extensive grant listings database. This organization also offers enhanced features for tracking and submitting grant applications personalized to user needs and project areas. Search options of federal, state, foundation and corporate grants are available to communities now. This service is free, but registration is required to obtain information about grants & deadlines.

Instrumentl

Instrumentl is a paid, web-based platform that has helped organizations find, win, and manage more than $6.7 billion in grant funding. The sources of grant funding on this platform often originate from private family & corporate foundations, which typically are harder to locate than government grants. This subscription-based website starts at $179/month ($2,148 for one year) and allows for access to a comprehensive database of active funding opportunities.

Firehouse Grants

This Pennsylvania grant-writing group is a premier grant writing service for pursuing grants for emergency services. The team is comprised of firefighters, EMTs, and police officers. This grant-writing service helps fire & EMS departments of all sizes from rural volunteer departments to combination, paid-on-call and full career departments.