Firefighter Training Grant Program

The Firefighter Training Grant Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), aiming to combat longstanding recruitment and retention challenges faced by volunteer and combination fire departments across the state. With a declining number of volunteer firefighters, many departments have found themselves understaffed and ill-equipped to respond adequately to emergencies. This grant program serves as a strategic intervention to build a future-ready pipeline of trained and engaged fire service professionals by targeting youth engagement at the middle and high school levels. The program focuses not only on developing technical firefighting skills but also on fostering early interest and commitment among youth toward public service and emergency response careers. Eligible applicants for the grant include DSPS-recognized volunteer or combination fire departments in good standing, as well as middle and high schools, technical colleges, associations, organizations, and non-profits. However, any non-fire department applicants must demonstrate formal collaboration with an eligible fire department. Good standing is defined by compliance with DSPS’s 2% dues and Firefighter Health and Safety requirements under SPS 330. All applicants are also required to have or obtain liability insurance coverage for the proposed training activities. The program encourages partnerships between educational institutions and fire departments to enhance the quality and reach of the training initiatives. The grant allows for awards of up to $25,000, with a program-wide ceiling of $75,000. The minimum request is $500. Awarded grants are structured as cost-reimbursement contracts, meaning grantees must first incur and document eligible expenses before receiving funds. The funding must be used strictly for direct, non-capital expenses related to youth fire service training. This includes but is not limited to curriculum development, instructional delivery, transportation, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and instructor travel. While matching funds are not formally required, DSPS anticipates that applicants will contribute in-kind resources such as training facilities, administrative support, insurance, and transportation, which may strengthen the proposal's competitiveness. To apply, organizations must submit a comprehensive proposal that outlines their program’s goals, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with DSPS objectives. Proposals must also include letters of commitment from all collaborating entities, demonstrating clearly defined partnership roles and responsibilities. The application must identify a fiscal agent responsible for managing the grant and provide a detailed budget with itemized justifications for each line item. DSPS evaluates proposals using a scoring rubric that awards up to 64 points across four categories: need, program design and cost, program outcomes, and equity and inclusion. Only proposals scoring at least 32 points are considered for funding. The 2026 grant cycle officially opened with the announcement release on February 2, 2026. Applications are due by March 1, 2026. Grant award announcements are expected by March 23, 2026. The contract start date will vary based on the proposed timeline submitted by applicants, and all projects must conclude within one year from the contract start date. Final invoices are due 60 days following project completion. Reporting requirements include outcome metrics such as the number of trained students, resulting department memberships, and earned academic credits. All invoices and reimbursement requests must be submitted to DSPS with appropriate documentation via the designated fiscal mailbox. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the full grant guidelines and rubric prior to submission. Questions related to the grant process should be directed via email to [email protected]. More information, including required forms and updates, is available on the program’s official website.

Scoring rubric heavily influences awards; proposals below 32 points are ineligible; clear budget justification is critical.