WASHINGTON, DC (WOWO) FEMA has announced $648 million in federal funding opportunities aimed at helping fire departments and first responder agencies nationwide hire personnel, improve safety, and purchase equipment.
The Lead Off
- FEMA announced $648 million in funding for firefighters and emergency responders nationwide
- Grants will support staffing, equipment purchases, firefighter safety, and prevention programs
- Applications for all three federal programs open May 19 and close June 22
FEMA announces nationwide funding opportunities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced three separate funding programs totaling $648 million for fire departments, EMS agencies, and related organizations across the country.
Officials say the funding is intended to strengthen emergency response capabilities and support first responders who handle disasters, fires, and medical emergencies.
“When a disaster strikes, firefighters and other first responders are often the first ones on the scene, making them a critical component of every community’s emergency response capabilities,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator Robert Fenton.
Assistance to Firefighters Grants
FEMA will make $291.6 million available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, commonly known as AFG.
Eligible agencies can use the funding for:
- Personal protective equipment
- Emergency response vehicles
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Resiliency and preparedness programs
The program is open to fire departments and emergency medical services agencies.
SAFER grants focus on staffing
Another $324 million will be distributed through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, or SAFER.
The funding is designed to help departments maintain staffing levels and recruit additional firefighters.
According to FEMA, eligible uses include:
- Firefighter salaries
- Recruitment programs
- Retention efforts for volunteer and career personnel
Volunteer firefighter interest organizations are also eligible to apply.
Fire prevention and safety funding
FEMA also announced $32.4 million through the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program.
The funding is available to fire departments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and research organizations.
Officials say the grants can support:
- Fire prevention initiatives
- Community safety programs
- Firefighter health and wellness studies
- Research on responder safety and clinical issues
Application process and deadlines
FEMA says the application period for all three programs opens May 19, 2026, and closes June 22, 2026.
Applicants can review funding opportunities and application requirements through Grants.gov and FEMA.gov.
The agency is also planning informational webinars during May to answer questions and help agencies prepare applications.
Support for emergency responders
Fenton said the grants are intended to provide departments with the personnel and tools needed to protect communities safely.
“These heroes put their lives on the line every day for all of us, and FEMA is proud to support them,” Fenton said.
The Takeaway
- FEMA is making $648 million available nationwide through three grant programs supporting firefighters and first responders.
- Funding will help departments hire personnel, purchase protective equipment and vehicles, and support firefighter health and safety initiatives.
- Applications for the Assistance to Firefighters, SAFER, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs remain open through June 22.
