The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the broader Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These grants focus on supporting projects that reduce the risk of fire-related injury and death among both the general public and firefighters. Since its establishment in 2005, the FP&S program has evolved into a cornerstone of national efforts to bolster fire safety and prevention strategies.
Table of Contents
Unlike equipment-oriented funding under the main AFG program, FP&S Grants focus specifically on prevention, education, and research. This makes them one of the few federal funding sources dedicated to proactive safety initiatives and firefighter health and wellness studies.
The FP&S program comprises two main funding categories:
- Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S): Targets high-risk populations through education, outreach, and mitigation strategies.
- Research and Development (R&D): Supports scientific and clinical studies that enhance firefighter safety, health, and performance.
FEMA’s current FP&S resources can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safety-awards
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include fire departments, national, regional, state, and local organizations, and academic institutions. Organizations must have demonstrable experience or potential in advancing fire prevention, public safety education, or firefighter research.
Examples of eligible applicants:
- Fire departments serving urban or rural communities
- Nonprofits focused on fire safety education
- Universities conducting firefighter health research
- Tribal organizations working on high-risk community initiatives
FEMA encourages partnerships between academic researchers and fire service organizations to ensure practical application of the research and real-world benefits.
Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Activity: Saving Lives Through Education and Outreach
Under this activity, funding is provided to support initiatives that protect high-risk populations from fire-related incidents. Common projects include:
- Smoke alarm installation and maintenance programs
- Public education campaigns targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, or individuals with disabilities
- Code enforcement and fire inspection activities
- Fire safety training in schools, especially in low-income areas
- Programs to reduce arson in underserved communities
The overarching goal is to change behaviors and environments in ways that significantly reduce the likelihood of injury or death from fires.
Research and Development (R&D) Activity: Advancing Firefighter Safety
The R&D arm of the program funds evidence-based research aimed at improving firefighter health, safety, and operational effectiveness. Projects in this category are expected to result in new knowledge, technology, or practices that can be widely adopted across the firefighting community.
R&D subcategories include:
1. Clinical Studies
These investigate behavioral, cultural, physiological, and medical factors that impact firefighter wellness and performance. Examples might include:
- Cardiovascular risk screening for firefighters
- Behavioral health studies related to PTSD and burnout
- Long-term cancer risk studies in high-exposure departments
2. Technology and Product Development
This area supports the design or improvement of tools and technologies used by firefighters. Examples include:
- New thermal imaging equipment
- Smart personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Mobile data platforms to improve situational awareness
3. Preliminary Studies
FEMA supports small-scale projects that help establish foundational data for larger, multi-phase studies. This includes pilot research on new intervention models or data collection tools.
4. Early Career Investigator Grants
This funding stream supports new researchers who have recently completed their academic training. It helps grow a new generation of scientists and engineers focused on firefighter safety.
These R&D grants are essential for generating knowledge that helps prevent injuries and fatalities on the job—one of the most hazardous professions in the country.
Funding Availability and Award Statistics
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 alone, FEMA awarded approximately $36 million in FP&S grants to 97 recipients. Since its launch, the program has distributed over $888 million in total funding.
Notable FY24 recipients include:
- Iowa State University of Science and Technology – $1,499,999 (R&D)
- North Carolina State University – $1,497,498 (R&D)
- University of Miami – $1,428,570 (R&D)
- International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation – $1,499,968 (FP&S)
These recipients are conducting research or outreach programs that could shape the next generation of firefighter health standards, public safety education, and fire incident reduction methods.
How to Apply
The application period for the FY 2024 FP&S Grants runs from May 23 to July 3, 2025, closing at 5:00 PM ET. All submissions must be made through FEMA GO, the agency’s official grant management system.
Applicants are advised to:
- Review the full FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
- Download and use FEMA’s self-evaluation sheets
- Consult the application checklist to ensure completeness
- Refer to FEMA’s FAQs and webinars for guidance
Late or incomplete applications are typically not accepted, and adherence to all technical formatting and submission guidelines is critical.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Focus on Impact: FEMA prioritizes applications that demonstrate measurable community benefits, such as increased smoke alarm installation or reduced firefighter injury rates.
- Use Data: Use local and national data to justify the need for your program or study.
- Plan for Evaluation: Projects that include robust methods for measuring effectiveness are more competitive.
- Collaborate: Work with universities, hospitals, or other agencies to strengthen your proposal.
Why These Grants Matter for Public Health
Fire-related deaths remain a significant public health concern in the United States. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were over 1.3 million fires and more than 3,700 civilian deaths in a recent year. On the firefighter side, the physical and psychological risks are considerable. These grants offer the only federal funding source that focuses entirely on prevention and research, rather than just emergency response.
By supporting data-driven prevention strategies and cutting-edge research, the FP&S program reduces both immediate fire hazards and long-term health risks for first responders.
Conclusion: An Opportunity to Protect and Innovate
FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are not just about funding—they’re about lives. Whether your organization serves a small town or operates a national research lab, these grants offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on firefighter safety and community fire prevention.
For full details on eligibility, program requirements, or to begin your application, visit the official FP&S Grants page.
0 Comments