California Water Service (Cal Water) has opened its seventh annual Firefighter Grant Program to fire departments in its districts, as part of its ongoing commitment to and partnership with, local first responders.
Professional and volunteer fire departments that serve any part of Cal Water’s service areas are eligible to apply for funding that will offset costs for life-saving fire protection equipment, training, and education.
With its 2024 cycle, Cal Water’s Firefighter Grant Program surpassed the $1 million mark, providing grants to 27 local fire departments since the program started in 2019.
Last year, grants ranged from $10,800 to $38,400 to fund equipment such as ballistic helmets and vests, portable radios, specialized wildland firefighting personal protective equipment, cardiac EKG monitors, mental wellness coaching and refurbishment of training towers.
Martin A. Kropelnicki, Cal Water Chairman and CEO explained: “Beyond being a water provider, we are a community partner and extend our focus beyond the water to coordinating emergency response activities and supporting our local fire departments’ need for essential gear and life-saving equipment.
“It has been exciting to see how these 27 fire departments have used more than $1 million in grants to help better protect their communities and be better prepared for local emergencies.”
The application period for this year’s cycle will be open through 5 p.m. Pacific time on Friday 7 November 2025. Cal Water plans to notify grant recipients in late fall.
The grants are part of California Water Service Group’s stockholder-funded philanthropic giving program and do not affect customers’ rates.
California Water Service has opened its seventh annual Firefighter Grant Program to fire departments in its districts, as part of its ongoing commitment to and partnership with, local first responders.
