Illinois American Water is now accepting applications for its 2026 Firefighter Grant Program, offering financial support to fire departments and local emergency response units across its service areas.
The competitive grant program is designed to help crews purchase essential equipment, fund training, and support community fire protection efforts. Illinois American Water said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to public safety and to the emergency responders who serve local communities.
“The Firefighter Grant Program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to public safety,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “By providing funding for critical equipment and training, we support the dedicated individuals who protect our communities every day.”
Since 2010, Illinois American Water has awarded more than 1,150 grants to fire departments and emergency response units. Eligible organizations may receive one grant per year, with awards of up to $1,000 available for items including personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water-handling equipment, training, and related materials used to support fire protection.
Applications must be submitted online by Friday, September 18. Departments and emergency response units applying for funding should include details about the organization, the proposed project, the requested grant amount, the community need being addressed, the implementation timeline, other potential funding sources, and the project budget.
