Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP) Grant Program

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, specifically within the Resilience Directorate’s Grant Programs Directorate. This program is part of a broader federal effort authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act to reduce fire-related risks nationwide. It reflects a longstanding federal commitment to improving firefighter safety and reducing community vulnerability to fire hazards through both prevention programming and research initiatives. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters by supporting fire prevention activities and advancing research and development related to firefighter health, safety, and well-being. The program is structured around two major activity areas: Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Activities and Research and Development (R&D) Activities. FP&S Activities focus on direct community interventions such as risk reduction, wildfire mitigation, code enforcement awareness, and fire investigation. R&D Activities are designed to generate innovations and scientific insights that reduce firefighter injuries and fatalities. Funding is provided through federal grants with a total expected program funding of approximately 32.4 million dollars and an anticipated 100 awards. Individual awards may range up to 1.5 million dollars depending on project scope, with specific limits for certain categories such as early career research investigators. Funds may be used for allowable programmatic activities including education, risk assessments, research, and safety interventions. However, strict federal cost principles apply, and certain costs such as lobbying or unrelated expenditures are prohibited. Recipients may also allocate up to a limited percentage of funds for management and administration costs. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, covering fire departments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and research entities at the national, state, local, and tribal levels. Both public and private nonprofit organizations are eligible, though eligibility differs slightly between FP&S and R&D activities. Applicants must meet specific organizational and authorization requirements, including having a designated authorized representative and compliance with federal regulations. A cost-sharing requirement applies, generally requiring a minimum non-federal match of five percent of the award, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. Applications must be submitted electronically through the FEMA GO system. The process requires registration steps including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier, maintaining an active SAM registration, and completing standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and related budget and assurance documents. Additional program-specific materials may be required depending on the activity type, including narrative statements, appendices, and partnership documentation. The application window opens in May and closes in late June, with strict adherence to deadlines required for consideration. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process that includes peer review panels composed of subject matter experts and a technical evaluation by FEMA. Evaluation criteria emphasize financial need, vulnerability, project design, implementation plans, evaluation strategies, and cost effectiveness. For research proposals, additional scientific and methodological rigor is assessed. Final award decisions consider both merit-based rankings and statutory funding priorities, with selections expected by late summer and awards issued shortly thereafter. The anticipated period of performance varies depending on the project type, typically ranging from 12 to 48 months. Awardees are subject to ongoing reporting requirements, including financial and performance reporting, as well as compliance with federal regulations and monitoring. The program is issued annually, and future cycles are expected to follow a similar timeline, making it a recurring opportunity for eligible organizations seeking to improve fire safety outcomes nationwide.

Focus on clearly defined community risk vulnerability and measurable outcomes; align project with FEMA priorities; provide detailed implementation timelines and cost justification