CHICAGO – This week, FEMA awarded more than $68 million in grant funding for fire departments and other first responder organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. FEMA disburses this money to support firefighters and other emergency personnel because they are often the first ones on the scene when disaster strikes. They play an essential role in keeping American communities safe. By empowering these emergency responders to strengthen and expand their capacity, FEMA is contributing to the nation’s overall resilience.
FEMA is administering these funds through its three Fiscal Year 2025 fire grant programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program, and Fire Prevention and Safety grant program. FEMA published the funding opportunities in May 2026, making $648 million available across all three programs. Over the next week, FEMA will continue awarding these funds directly to fire departments, first responder agencies, and other organizations focused on fire prevention and firefighter safety.
The funding announced this week in FEMA Region 5 includes more than $58 million under FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants. Recipients can use this money to outfit responders with compliant personal protective equipment, acquire emergency response vehicles, and develop health, wellness, and resiliency initiatives to prepare responders for incidents. Examples of awards include:
- More than $880,000 to the Grand Rapids Township Fire Department in Grand Rapids, Ohio
- More than $860,000 to the North Shore Fire Department in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- More than $850,000 to the Village of Alsip Fire Department in Alsip, Illinois
FEMA also awarded more than $9.6 million under its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program. Recipients can use the money to cover personnel costs for firefighters, as well as recruitment efforts and retention programs. Examples of awards include:
- Nearly $940,000 to City of Brooklyn Center City Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- More than $850,000 to the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- More than $830,000 to the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana
FEMA also awarded more than $700,000 under its Fire Prevention and Safety grant program. Recipients can use the money to fund scientific research and technology development that will strengthen community fire prevention programs and/or improve firefighter safety, health, and well-being. Examples of awards include:
- Nearly $300,000 to Monroe Fire Protection District in Bloomington, Indiana
- More than $160,000 to Delta Charter Township in Lansing, Michigan
- More than $130,000 to Bloomfield Charter Township in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
FEMA will continue awarding funding for its Fiscal Year 2025 fire grant programs over the next week. For information on all the awards issued thus far, visit the fire grants program webpages: Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, and Fire Prevention and Safety.
