2026 MARCS Grant

The Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) Grant, administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal, provides funding to enhance public safety communication for fire departments and related agencies across the state. This state-funded program supports local fire protection entities by helping them acquire interoperable radio equipment and services compatible with Ohio’s statewide MARCS network. The initiative is designed to improve coordination, response efficiency, and communication reliability among first responders during emergencies. The FY 2026 MARCS Grant aims to strengthen communication infrastructure within volunteer and small municipal fire departments, joint fire districts, and local governments providing fire protection services. Eligible applicants include volunteer fire departments, small municipal or township fire departments, joint fire districts, and qualifying local governments contracting for fire protection services. A key eligibility criterion is that departments must serve populations under 25,000 residents and be compliant with Ohio’s reporting requirements under R.C. §3737.24 and the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Fund, where applicable. Grant funds may be used to purchase MARCS-compatible equipment and services such as portable or mobile radios, related accessories, installation, mounting, programming, and up to 12 months of service fees. The State Fire Marshal will fund up to $3,000 per radio, with a maximum award cap of $50,000 per recipient. While monthly service costs are eligible, preference is given to equipment purchases, and recipients must submit vendor quotes valid through February 28, 2026. Expenditures such as dual-band features, non-MARCS pagers, and warranties are ineligible. Applicants must submit an online application through the State Fire Marshal’s grant portal between September 14 and October 25, 2025. Required materials include the completed MARCS Grant application form, the approved equipment/services worksheet, and a valid vendor quote. The process is fully electronic, and paper or fax submissions are not accepted. Applications are scored based on population served, protection area size, operating budget, number of fire incidents, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation. Departments with smaller budgets and larger service areas may receive higher priority. Successful applicants will receive notification via a mailed or emailed grant agreement following review. Funds are disbursed once the grant agreement is signed and returned to the State Fire Marshal. Grant recipients must activate purchased radios within three months of delivery and maintain them on the MARCS network for at least twelve months. All purchases are subject to audit and must adhere to recordkeeping requirements for three years. For assistance, applicants may contact the Grants Administrator at commercegrants@com.ohio.gov or call 614-752-7123. Program details, forms, and resources are available at www.com.ohio.gov/fire/grants.

Submit accurate NFIRS reports and verify VFDF compliance before applying; preference to small budgets and multi-jurisdictional efforts.