Grant Opportunities

Fire departments and local governments have grant opportunities with the federal government, state government, and other organizations. These grants can help fund projects, purchase equipment, and train personnel. This list is not exhaustive but is intended to provide helpful information in securing additional resources. 

State Grants

Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program

The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program (VFEAT) was created by the General Assembly in 2019 and became effective on January 1, 2020. The grant program has two components:

  1. Reimburse the local cost share (typically 5% or 10% of the total award depending on population) of a federally awarded grant to a volunteer fire department for the purchase of firefighting equipment and training.
  2. Allows volunteer fire departments to apply directly to the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) for firefighting equipment.

For fiscal year 2026-2027, VFEAT will provide $20 million to be distributed to applicants for the purchase of firefighter equipment and training. Applications received during the submission period will be scored internally and submitted to a 7-member committee who will oversee the award selection. The committee is composed of three members from the Tennessee Fire Chief’s Association, three members from the Tennessee Firemen’s Association, and TDCI’s Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention.

Additionally, the Volunteer Firefighter Vehicle Grant Program, passed by the General Assembly and effective fiscal year 2026-2027, provides $1 million for matching funds (typically 5% or 10% of the total award depending on population) on federal grants awarded for fire apparatus. The application for this grant is within the VFEAT application.

To be eligible for the Volunteer Firefighter Vehicle Grant Program, departments must:

  1. Hold a valid recognition certificate from the SFMO.
  2. Be classified as a volunteer fire department in FDTN.
  3. Be compliant with T.C.A. § 68-102-111 Fire Reporting Requirements. 
  4. Be compliant with the filing of annual financial requirements pursuant to T.C.A. § 68-102-309.
  5. Have no past due closeout reports from previous VFEAT awards (award years 2025 and prior).

Application

Grant Information

Selection Committee

  • Selection Committee scheduled for January 2027.

Award Recipients

Rescue Squad Grant Program

The Rescue Squad Grant Program was originally funded by Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly in 2022 for the purchase of lifesaving equipment by Tennessee rescue squads. Grant proceeds may be utilized to purchase equipment used by rescue squads for incident response and to protect the lives of squad members.

For fiscal year 2026-2027, $5 million will be available through the Rescue Squad Grant Program to support rescue squads and the communities they protect. Applications received during the submission period will be scored internally and submitted to a seven-member committee who will oversee the award selection. The committee is composed of six members from the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads and TDCI’s Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention.

In 2026, the Rescue Squad Recognition Act took effect. Under the Act, a Tennessee rescue squad must meet the following qualifications in order to be eligible for Tennessee grant funding. Rescue squads must:

  1. Be recognized by its local elected governing body.
  2. Hold a valid certificate of recognition from the SFMO.
  3. File a certificate of charter with the Tennessee Secretary of State's Office to apply for future State of Tennessee grant funding.
  4. Have no past due closeout reports from previous VFEAT awards (award years 2025 and prior).

Rescue squads that do not register with the SFMO will not be eligible for state grant funding. Any rescue squad that decides not to function as an approved rescue squad must notify the SFMO and their local elected officials of their intention.

Application

Grant Information

Selection Committee

  • Selection Committee scheduled for March 2027.

Award Recipients

Federal Grants

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

More information on the AFG grant, including application period details, can be found on FEMA’s AFG webpage.

AFG Program Help Desk: 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@fema.dhs.gov

Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S)

The Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. 

For information on the FP&S grant, including application period details, visit FEMA's FP&S webpage.

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) 

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities.

More information about the SAFER grant, including application period details, can be found on FEMA's SAFER webpage. 

USDA

Rural fire departments may be eligible for low-interest loans and grants through the United States Department of Agriculture. These include Forest Service grants, Rural Development grants, and others. For a full list of resources, visit USDA’s website.

Department of Agriculture Volunteer Fire Assistance Program

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program. Fire departments serving a population of 10,000 or less are eligible to apply. More information on the Department of Agriculture Volunteer Fire Assistance Program can be found on  BurnSafeTN.org.

For help with the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program grants, contact forestry.nashville@tn.gov.

Other Grants

The grants in this section are offered through the following organizations. Please contact them directly for details regarding the programs and requirements.

State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grants

State Farm provides grants to a variety of fire service entities. Grants include safety, community development, and education. More information on State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grants can be found here.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has grants for lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continuing education. More information can be found on the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

FM Global Fire Prevention Grant Program

FM Global offers support to organizations working to combat fire. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support fire prevention, preparedness and control efforts, fire prevention education/training, and arson prevention/fire investigation.