First Responders Wellness/Resiliency Development Resources Grant Program

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency is offering a state-funded subaward opportunity focused on improving wellness, resiliency development, and behavioral health access for first responders throughout Nebraska. The funding opportunity is formally titled First Responders Wellness/Resiliency Development Resources and is funded through Nebraska's Opioid Cash Fund under the Opioid Prevention and Treatment Act. The funding originates from revenues received by the State of Nebraska as part of a class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies. According to State Statute 71-2488, the distributed funds are not considered ongoing entitlements or continuing obligations by the State. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was appropriated $1,125,000 for each year of the FY25-27 biennium to support statewide efforts that connect first responders to behavioral health services, supports, education, and resiliency training opportunities. The purpose of the program is to support behavioral health and resiliency development among first responders who may face heightened exposure to stress, trauma, opioid exposure, and dependency risks. Eligible populations include firefighters, law enforcement personnel, EMS services personnel, correctional services staff, and dispatchers. The opportunity specifically extends services not only to active personnel but also to retired members, emeritus members, and family members of these first responder groups. The State Fire Marshal intends for funded projects to connect first responders and their families with mental health services, support systems, resiliency-building programs, and wellness training resources. The State also indicated that stakeholder groups representing first responders will receive notice of intent to subaward. The funding opportunity allows reimbursement and support for a variety of programmatic and operational costs directly tied to behavioral health and resiliency programming. Approved expenses include program-related travel, software applications and software license fees, required office supplies, equipment necessary for program delivery, meeting room rental costs, speaker fees, conference registration fees, mileage reimbursement at the federal rate, training manuals and educational materials, and advertising expenses related to the program. The solicitation also outlines several unallowable costs, including alcoholic beverages, excessive general office supply costs, unrelated expenses, costs reimbursed by another opioid recovery funded program, relocation costs, lobbying or political activity expenses, and costs associated with fines or legal penalties. Applicants are expected to ensure that all expenditures directly support connecting first responders with mental health services, supports, and resiliency development skills. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency is accepting applications beginning April 27, 2026, with applications due by May 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed in the order received and are expected to be processed within twenty business days. Funding decisions are based on the availability of funds, the number of requests received, and consistency with the statutory intent of the opioid recovery funding. The agency notes anticipated initial allocation percentages of approximately 45 percent for police programs, 45 percent for fire service programs, and 10 percent collectively for corrections, EMS, and dispatcher programs. The agency also notes that approved applications may not receive their full requested amount due to finite funding availability. If funds remain after the initial review period, the State may reopen the application period or increase funding for partially funded applications. Applicants are required to submit several components as part of the application process. Required submission materials include a W9 and ACH Enrollment Form, an application with supplemental documentation supporting the use of Opioid Recovery Funds, invoices, documentation of incurred costs, and proof of payment, although proof of payment may be submitted after release of funds. Recipients are also required to submit quarterly and final outcome reports. Quarterly and annual reporting must include the number of program users, the number of new users, and descriptions of any new program activities initiated during the reporting period. Final completion reports must include written testimonials or impact statements regarding program effectiveness as well as statistical data detailing spending and participant counts across program activities. Subawards resulting from this opportunity may be renewed for one additional year subject to continued fund availability. The State Fire Marshal reserves the right to review financial records related to awarded programs and requires all award agreements to be formally executed before funds are disbursed. Although costs may become allowable prior to full execution of the agreement, no binding obligation exists until both parties sign the award agreement. Applications may be submitted electronically or by mail. Electronic submissions and program inquiries should be directed to Regina Shields at regina.shields@nebraska.gov. The primary contact address for mailed applications is the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency, 246 South 14th Street, Suite 1, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. Questions regarding the Request for Applications are directed to Regina Shields by email or by phone at (402) 471-9477 or (402) 326-9482.

Demonstrate a clear connection between requested expenditures and behavioral health resiliency development or wellness outcomes for first responders. Include thorough documentation of costs and explain how the program will serve firefighters law enforcement EMS dispatchers or corrections personnel and their families.