Emergency First Responder Grant

The Emergency First Responder Grant, administered by Compeer Financial through its Giving Back program, supports rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment and life-safety tools. This initiative aligns with Compeer Financial’s broader mission to strengthen and empower rural communities and agriculture by enhancing the capacity of first responders to serve during critical situations. By investing in necessary tools and equipment, the grant ensures that responders are adequately prepared, protected, and supported in their efforts, contributing to safer and more resilient rural areas. The grant is specifically designed to fund equipment categorized under two main needs: essential response tools such as hand tools, fire suppression tools, extraction equipment, and medical supplies; and responder life-safety items, including communication devices and protective gear. These resources are crucial for both operational effectiveness during emergencies and the safety of volunteer responders. Applicants are encouraged to illustrate how requested equipment will enhance emergency response capabilities or support recruitment and retention of volunteer personnel. Eligibility for the Emergency First Responder Grant is restricted to rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments that operate within Compeer Financial’s 144-county service territory. This geographic scope ensures targeted impact within the communities the organization serves. Specialized search and rescue teams may apply, although preference is given to standard emergency response tools. However, certain types of expenditures are explicitly excluded from funding: building projects, vehicle purchases or fundraising, responder training courses and equipment, and any use of funds to cover existing deficits. Law enforcement agencies and emergency management departments, whether paid or volunteer, are also not eligible to apply. Applications for this program are accepted annually, opening on April 15 and closing on May 31. Each awarded grant can total up to $7,500, with all funds required to be expended within the same calendar year as the award. Successful applicants will be notified of their grant status approximately six weeks after the application deadline. To maintain eligibility for future funding, grantees must submit final reporting by January 1 of the following year. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may impact future participation. Compeer Giving enforces a rotation policy to ensure equitable access to funding across its service territory. Departments that receive a grant in 2024 may reapply in 2027, while 2025 recipients must wait until 2028 to reapply. This policy prevents repeat funding within a three-year window, allowing the grant to support a broader base of communities. Applicants are also required to provide a valid Taxpayer Identification Number and W9 certification as part of the submission process. Interested organizations can contact Compeer Giving via email at [email protected] or by phone at 844-426-6733 for more information. The grant cycle is recurring annually, and organizations planning to apply in future years should anticipate the application window from mid-April through the end of May each year.