Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program (Tennessee) is sponsored by Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO). This program has two components: to reimburse the local cost share of federally awarded grants for equipment and training, and to allow volunteer fire departments to apply directly to the SFMO for firefighting equipment.

Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office: 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.

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 . 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 . Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant was passed by the General Assembly in 2019 and became effective on January 1, 2020.

The grant program has two components: 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. Allows volunteer fire departments to apply directly to the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) for firefighting equipment.

The program has expended to $20 million for fiscal year 2025-2026 to assist volunteer firefighters. To be eligible for the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program, departments must hold a valid recognition certificate from the SFMO and have a staff comprised by less than 51% full-time career firefighters.

Step by Step Registration Guide Get your Edison Supplier ID here Application Rules and Guidelines Public Chapter 497 (2019) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant (VFEAT) ISO FSRS Pumper Requirements Volunteer Fire Departments Financial Reporting and Procedures Manual Video Volunteer Fire Departments Financial Reporting and Procedures Manual 2025-26 VFEAT 100 Series Report Selection Committee scheduled for January 2026.

Notice of Intent to Award 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 . Rescue Squad Grant Program The Rescue Squad Grant Program was originally funded by Governor 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 protect the lives of squad members.

The allocation of $3 million represents the first year of the program which will 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 Rescue Squad Association, and TDCI’s Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention.

To be eligible for the Rescue Squad Grant Program, departments must hold a valid recognition certificate from the SFMO or an active Charter registration with the Secretary of State's office and also have a current letter from the local chief elected official stating that the department is the recognized to provide rescue services in their designated area.

2026 Rescue Squad Grant Program Application Rescue Squad Grant Program (RSGP) 2024 Application Step by Step Registration Guide Get your Edison Supplier ID here 2025 RSGP Application Webinar Selection Committee scheduled for Spring 2026. Rules and Guidelines for the Rescue Squad Grant Program Notice of Intent to Award 2024 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.