Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Responder Grant Program

The Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Responder Grant Program is administered by New Jersey American Water, a private utility company providing water and wastewater services across several counties in New Jersey. This program was established to recognize and support the invaluable work of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel who serve in communities within the company’s service territory. New Jersey American Water, by initiating this program, demonstrates its commitment to public safety and community support, aiming to strengthen local emergency response capabilities. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to eligible volunteer fire and EMS departments. Funding is intended to help these organizations cover essential costs related to the purchase of firefighting and EMS tools and equipment. Specifically, allowable expenses include personal protective gear, communications equipment, tools and supplies used in firefighting or EMS response, water handling equipment, and associated training. The program also allows for the reimbursement of fees and materials for specific fire and EMS training courses, such as manuals and student workbooks. Eligibility for the program is limited to uniformed volunteer fire departments and EMS units that operate within New Jersey American Water's designated service area. The company encourages regional or county-wide applications, which can maximize the number of organizations benefiting from the grants. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The program places a clear emphasis on supporting operational needs, enabling departments to improve their effectiveness in safeguarding communities. Applicants may request up to $2,500 in funding. While the exact number of awards is not disclosed, the grant amount ceiling is explicitly capped at this figure. Matching funds are not required, and no cost-sharing obligation is mentioned. The relatively modest grant ceiling suggests the program is designed to support smaller, targeted purchases rather than large-scale operational overhauls. The application process is straightforward. Interested departments must submit their application by Friday, April 10, 2026. No pre-application materials, such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers, are required. However, applicants may direct any inquiries to the program’s contact email: [email protected] or by calling 800.272.1325. This centralized contact point ensures consistency in applicant support. The grant is not identified as recurring, and there is no indication that the program will reopen annually. As such, the 2026 cycle appears to be a one-time opportunity, with no current plans for future iterations. Applicants are advised to treat this deadline as final unless further communication from New Jersey American Water states otherwise.