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Grants for Fire Schools

Rookies and veterans of fire departments can tap grants as a way of paying for both training and education. Government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and private organizations offer financial assistance for current and prospective firefighters that can send them to college or conferences so they can learn what they need to better protect people and prevent fires.

  1. Assistance to Firefighters

    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency awards grants that can help fire departments pay for training programs through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. The grants, also known as FIRE Act grants, also cover other expenses, such as buying equipment. The program in 2009 awarded an average of about $160,000 to fire departments, 76.6 percent of which were in rural areas. The program ultimately intends to help fire departments improve their response times and better protect fire department personnel

      U.S. Department of Homeland Security

      FEMA

      800 K St., NW

      Washington, DC 20472

      1-866-274-0960

      fema.gov

    National Fire Academy

    • FEMA also offers grants that can help fire department supervisors improve their education and skills by participating in a fellowship. The three-week "Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program" is offered twice a year at Harvard University. FEMA awarded the grants to eight senior fire officials in 2009 and six in 2010.

      U.S. Department of Homeland Security

      FEMA

      800 K St., NW

      Washington, DC 20472

      1-866-274-0960

      fema.gov

    IAFC Foundation

    • The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation awards scholarships to firefighters so they can better educate themselves about fire departments. Recipients must have worked in a paid position for at least two years or volunteer in one for three years as a volunteer to be eligible. The foundation offers six scholarships: The Motorola Future Leaders Scholarship Award, the Garry L. Briese Scholarship Award, The Heather Westphal Memorial Scholarship Award, IAFC Federal Military Section Award, Fire Explorers scholarships and Support Educational Scholarships for First Responders. Dependents of firefighters are not eligible.

      IAFC Foundation

      4025 Fair Ridge Drive, suite 300

      Fairfax, VA 22033

      703-896-4822

      iafcf.org

    National Fire Protection Association

    • The National Fire Protection Association awards numerous grants and scholarships to help fire departments improve their services and for staff members to attend school. The association awards four key grants: the Arthur E. Cote, David B. Gratz, John L. Jablonsky and George D. Miller scholarships. The scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students.

      NFPA

      1 Batterymarch Park

      Quincy, MA 02169

      617-770-3000

      nfpa.org

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