Midwest Grant Opportunites
AFG
Fire safety grants fund critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies and support community resilience.
Firehouse Sub Grants
The application process is entirely digital. Please pay close attention to the FAQs and notes as you complete your online grant application.
Opening Dates: January 8, 2026, April 7, 2026 & July 9, 2026
Mo Conservation Grant
Every year, Missouri fire departments serving communities of less than 10,000 can apply for a 50 percent reimbursement grant to help buy firefighting equipment.
Department of the Interior (DOI),
Open to U.S. local governments that provide fire protection and other emergency services and are in need of slip-on tankers to improve the wildland firefighting readiness for their area of protection and service a location with a population of 50,000 or less.
MFA Grant
The MFA Volunteer Fire Grant focuses on addressing the needs of the fire service who will benefit the most. While no fire department has all the funding necessary, rural fire departments often struggle the most.
MO Highway Safety Grant
Generally, applications for HS Grant funding are accepted from mid-January to March 1 with award decisions made in April.
Rural Development
Applications are accepted for processing from public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, or Federally Recognized Tribes on an ongoing basis from October 1 - September 30.
Office of Homeland Security
The Missouri Department of Public Safety, Office of Homeland Security, (OHS) has been designated as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for Homeland Security grants.
Dennis Leary Firefighters Foundation
The Leary Firefighters Foundation is looking to partner with departments that are proactive problem solvers. Please be sure to outline how your department has already taken action to find a solution to your problem, and how the Foundation can be your partner in ultimately achieving results.
Grant sizes vary but typically range from $5,000 to $25,000; occasionally the Foundation makes larger grants. You should ask for what you need and make your very best case as to how that grant will benefit your department and the community it serves.
The Leary Firefighters Foundation awards grants annually. The portal opens for Letters of Inquiry on May 1, 2026 and are due on August 15, 2026. If your department is invited to submit a full application, we will be in touch with further instructions and deadlines.
GARY SINISE FOUNDATION
Providing Grants For Equipment & Training
This foundatin is giving critical support to first responder departments across the nation. These grants help our local heroes perform their vital work while maintaining their commitment to serving our communities.
The grant application window is open all year around, 24/7/365. Grant applications are open for approval for 6 months after the application is submitted.
IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry administers the USDA Forest Service’s VFA funds. The funds are for rural and small fire departments. The grant funds fire projects at 50% of the cost of a project up to $10,000 per department.
Department of Homeland Security
Grandfinder.com
Arkansas
ARPS
The Fire Protection Service Grant is available to rural and municipal volunteer fire departments for the purchase of fire equipment and supplies.