The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides funding through its quarterly U.S.-based grant program, designed to support public safety organizations in acquiring life-saving equipment and resources. This foundation, affiliated with the Firehouse Subs restaurant chain, channels its philanthropic efforts into strengthening community safety by offering financial assistance to first responders and public safety-focused organizations. The foundation is well-known for its dedication to ensuring that public safety professionals have access to critical tools and resources that enable them to perform their duties more effectively and protect their communities.
Each quarter, up to 600 applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, making early submission crucial. The application process is entirely digital, and the portal opens at 10 AM ET on a set schedule each quarter. For 2026, the portal will open on October 9, January 8, April 2, and July 9. The foundation encourages applicants to monitor the submission window closely, as the portal will close automatically once the 600-application limit is reached. It is also important to note that applicants must wait a minimum of three years before reapplying if they have previously been awarded a grant.
The maximum funding amount per request is capped at $40,000 for each cycle. While the foundation does not publicly specify allowable or ineligible uses in this summary, its historical focus on life-saving equipment implies that applications should align with public safety and emergency response needs. There is no explicit mention of required cost-sharing or matching funds, which indicates that applicants may not need to provide additional funding to qualify.
Eligibility appears to be restricted to U.S.-based applicants, with a separate process outlined for Canadian entities. Although specific organization types are not listed in the brief, the foundation has historically supported fire departments, police departments, EMS organizations, and public safety-related nonprofits. Applicants are encouraged to consult the grant FAQs and sample application for more detailed information on eligibility, required documentation, and evaluation criteria.
Applicants who forget their login credentials are instructed to create a new account, as the foundation cannot reset passwords. Notifications regarding approval or denial will be sent via email before the portal reopens for the next cycle. No direct contact information is provided in the current overview, suggesting that all communications are conducted through the grant portal.
