The First Responders Grant Round is funded through the Hero Fund America Fund and is administered to support organizations assisting fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies. Its primary focus is on helping these agencies meet needs related to education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health services. The grant is specifically tailored for organizations that are committed to serving first responders and enhancing their capacity to deliver emergency and lifesaving services.
This opportunity is available to a range of eligible applicants, including 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, entities with a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status, government bodies, and faith-based organizations. However, projects submitted by faith-based groups must address non-religious needs and serve diverse populations without regard to religious affiliation. All funding must be allocated strictly to direct program expenses, ensuring resources are used efficiently to address the immediate and practical needs of first responder personnel.
Each organization may submit only one application, and grants are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per recipient. This funding is designed to support a focused set of needs rather than larger-scale or general operational expenses. By offering these grants, the Hero Fund America Fund aims to make a tangible difference in the safety, preparedness, and well-being of first responders.
Applications for this grant round open on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and close on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Notifications of awards will be issued in July. There is no rolling deadline or opportunity to submit beyond this timeframe, and only one application per organization will be reviewed.
All submissions must clearly align with the goal of supporting first responders’ needs and demonstrate how grant funds will directly support the outlined categories of education, training, equipment, or mental health. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the grant contact for questions or clarification before submitting.
The main point of contact for this opportunity is Olivia Paul, Director of Community Engagement, who can be reached at 315-731-3736 or via email at opaul@foundationhoc.org.
