Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This program is a long-standing federal initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s fire and emergency response infrastructure by providing direct financial assistance to frontline organizations. It focuses on enhancing the capabilities of fire departments, emergency medical service organizations that are not affiliated with fire departments, and State Fire Training Academies. The program reflects FEMA’s broader mission to support community resilience, disaster preparedness, and public safety through targeted investments in emergency response capacity. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure that emergency responders are adequately equipped, trained, and prepared to respond to incidents effectively and safely. Funding is intended to support the acquisition of essential firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, emergency response vehicles, and training programs that meet recognized national standards. Additionally, the program supports initiatives that improve the health and safety of personnel, including facility modifications to reduce exposure to hazards and programs focused on wellness and resiliency. Eligible applicants include county governments, city or township governments, federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and other specified entities such as fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. These entities must demonstrate a clear need for funding and the ability to implement the proposed activities in alignment with program objectives. The program is inclusive of a wide range of emergency service providers, reflecting the diverse structure of fire and EMS systems across the United States. Funding under this program is substantial, with an estimated total program allocation of over two hundred ninety million dollars and an expected number of approximately eighteen hundred awards. Individual awards can reach up to nine million dollars depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. The program includes a cost-sharing or matching requirement, indicating that applicants must contribute a portion of project costs, although the specific match ratio may vary depending on applicant type and project characteristics. The application process is conducted through FEMA’s grant systems, and applicants are required to submit a complete application package by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, typical submissions include project narratives, budget justifications, and documentation demonstrating organizational eligibility and capacity. Applicants must ensure compliance with all submission requirements and deadlines to be considered for funding. Applications for this funding opportunity opened upon posting in May and are due by late June. The program operates on a defined annual cycle, with awards expected to be announced following a review and evaluation process conducted by FEMA. Evaluation criteria typically consider factors such as financial need, project feasibility, operational impact, and alignment with program priorities. For assistance, applicants can contact the FEMA GO Help Desk via phone or email for technical support related to the application process.