The National Volunteer Fire Council has reported that applications are now open for two federal grant programs aimed at supporting U.S. fire departments.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Both programs are accepting applications until 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 3, 2025.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, these grants help departments maintain staffing levels and develop initiatives to reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities.
Each program includes guidance documents published on FEMA’s website and requires use of the FEMA GO platform for submission.
The SAFER grant program was established to provide direct funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest groups.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, SAFER aims to help departments increase or maintain the number of trained frontline firefighters.
The organisation stated that the grant aligns with national operational standards outlined in NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1720.
Eligible uses of the grant include recruitment, retention, and hiring of both volunteer and career personnel.
FEMA has published the Fiscal Year 2024 SAFER Notice of Funding Opportunity, along with related guidance, on its website.
Departments interested in applying can use FEMA GO to submit, approve, and manage their grant applications.
The FP&S grant program is part of the broader Assistance to Firefighters Grants initiative.
The National Volunteer Fire Council reported that this grant supports projects aimed at reducing injuries and deaths among high-risk groups.
It noted that eligible activities include fire safety education, outreach programs, and firefighter safety research and development.
The FP&S program was reauthorized in 2005, expanding the range of permissible activities supported by the funding.
FEMA has published the FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity and guidance for FP&S applicants.
All applications must be submitted through the FEMA GO system by the stated deadline.
The National Volunteer Fire Council explained that both SAFER and FP&S applications must be submitted using the FEMA GO online system.
It added that the system allows fire departments to submit, approve, and track their grant materials.
Applicants can access detailed FEMA GO user guides on the official FEMA website.
Both grant programs also offer technical assistance documents to support applicants during the submission process.
These resources are available on the SAFER and FP&S pages linked through FEMA’s grant portal.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, the application period for both SAFER and FP&S grants runs from May 23 to July 3, 2025.
FEMA has confirmed that all submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility criteria and funding documents before submitting.
The relevant NFPA standards, including NFPA 1710 and 1720, are available on the NFPA’s website for departments seeking additional context.
FEMA’s notices of funding opportunity for both grants are posted online and include instructions for how to complete applications using FEMA GO.
Applications are now open for FEMA’s SAFER and FP&S grant programs.
The information was published by the National Volunteer Fire Council.
The SAFER grant supports hiring and retention of firefighters.
The FP&S grant funds fire safety education and injury prevention projects.
Both grants are available to U.S. fire departments and affiliated organizations.
Applications must be submitted through FEMA GO.
The submission deadline is 5 p.m. ET on July 3, 2025.
FEMA has published technical assistance and user guides for applicants.
Funding aligns with NFPA 1710 and 1720 standards.
Notices of funding opportunity are available on FEMA’s website.
