Fire Protection
Federal Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) – Provides grants to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) – Support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. Examples of the types of projects supported by FP&S include fire prevention and public safety education campaigns, juvenile firesetter interventions, media campaigns, and arson prevention and awareness programs.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program – Grant to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. Provides mailing service to send out notices of dues. They will cover the cost of printing statements at a minimal fee.
Visit fema.gov
USDA Rural Development
Our mission is to help develop and sustain rural Arkansas’ diversified, rapidly changing society by working in partnership with people and communities and to assist them in improving their quality of life through financial and technical assistance. We accomplish this by helping with a wide range of projects that include Community Facilities, Water and Wastewater, Business and Industry, and Housing.
Visit rd.usda.gov/ar
State Resources
Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division – Rural Fire Protection Program
Interest Free Loan – Fire departments in which at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the firefighters are volunteers, and which serves a community with a population of 10,000 or less may apply for an interest free loan. Up to $15,000 per applicant interest-free loans for fire trucks and equipment.
Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) – Fire departments may request federal excess property through the RFP office. FEPP equipment is available for fire protection only. The department is required to place the equipment in-service within six months of receipt and maintain it in operable condition for the entirety of its possession. Title or ownership of FEPP does not pass to the fire department. Once the equipment can no longer be used, the fire department must return it to the RFP office. FEPP is provided in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.
Training – The Basic Wildland Fire Suppression course is offered to all fire departments. This course is a requirement in Arkansas to become a Firefighter I.
Contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at (501) 679-3183 or visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
State of Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – The program aims to assist local jurisdictions that have suffered repetitive disaster losses. It will fund permanent, long-term solutions to repetitive problems. The project cost cap is $300,000 with a 25% cost sharing burden for the recipient.
State Homeland Security Grant Program – designed to address the Homeland Security and response capabilities in Arkansas by providing specific equipment and training to first responders and state agencies based on the needs and vulnerabilities of the state.
Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) – reimburses certain eligible expenses, under program guidelines, to support state and local emergency management costs. Requires 50% non-federal match.
Act 833 money – Act 833 funds are to be used for training, fire fighting equipment, and initial capital construction or improvements of fire departments.
Contact Kendell Snyder ADEM Fire Services Coordinator (501) 683-6700 or go to dps.arkansas.gov/adem
Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services
Rural Services Block Grant – Eligible to communities of less than 3,000 in population with at least a 51% Low to Moderate income range. Maximum $100,000 with 10% match. Eligible projects include renovating community centers, fire station buildings, or multi-purpose centers or purchasing fire trucks (pumper, tanker, brush, or certain service trucks).
Visit arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services
Arkansas Firewise
Arkansas Firewise USA Program – This is a wildfire-safety initiative that works through fire departments to educate and protect communities from wildfires. Beyond training and education, the program offers grant money to fire departments that complete required training and projects to help fund wildfire equipment and future wildfire mitigation projects.
Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/arkansas-firewise/ or email firewise@agriculture.arkansas.gov
State of Arkansas Federal Surplus Property
Provides at a small cost Federal Surplus vehicles and equipment including trucks, desks, protective equipment, hose, generators, compressors, chairs, etc., to fire departments or other government entities.
Contact Chris Reynolds at (501) 922-1025 or visit dps.arkansas.gov/federal-surplus
Non-profit and Other Resources
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
Firehouse’s Public Safety Foundation accepts applications for projects up to $45,000. All public safety entities are eligible for awards including police, fire, and EMS agencies. Application periods and awards are made several times a year.
Visit grants.firehoussubs.com
Fireman’s Fund Heritage Program
Awards grants to fund programs and equipment to fire departments of all sizes across the country. Through the Heritage Program, the Fireman’s Fund awards grants to fire departments and fire and burn prevention organizations to support firefighters for safer communities. Heritage Program grants can be used to purchase needed equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.
Contact (866) 227-1700 or email heritage@ffic.com.