Grant funding will increase local capacity to respond to disasters and emergencies
Over the past week, FEMA awarded $648 million in grant funding to more than 1,600 fire departments and other first responder organizations across the country. This funding will enable these agencies to get the equipment, staff and support they need to carry out their critical, life-saving missions.
FEMA is contributing to the nation’s overall resilience through its support to firefighters and other emergency personnel. These first responders play an essential role in keeping Americans safe. FEMA provides resources to ensure they can quickly and effectively respond to emergencies. This work aligns with President Trump’s America First Resilience Strategy, which calls for redirecting power away from Washington, D.C. and back into communities.
“Firefighters and other first responders are everyday heroes, helping their neighbors and communities when they need it most,” said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. “Through this grant funding, FEMA is building the capability of these local organizations to respond to disasters and emergencies. By empowering fire departments to get the staff, training and equipment they need, FEMA is strengthening the resilience of American communities nationwide.”
FEMA administered these grant awards through its three Fiscal Year 2025 fire grant programs:
- FEMA has awarded $291.6 million to more than 1,400 fire departments and other emergency medical services agencies through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grants. Recipients can use this funding to obtain protective equipment and emergency response vehicles, to deliver specialized training programs to staff, and to develop health initiatives to prepare responders for incidents.
- FEMA has awarded $324 million to nearly 200 fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations through the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program. Recipients will use the money to cover personnel costs for firefighters, as well as recruitment efforts and retention programs.
- FEMA has awarded $32.4 million to more than 60 fire departments, academic and research institutions, and nonprofit organizations through the FY 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety grant program. Recipients will use the money to fund scientific research and technology development that will strengthen community fire prevention programs or improve firefighter safety, health and well-being.
For more information on these grant programs and the award recipients, visit FEMA.gov.