FEMA has opened applications for the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. The deadline for submitting applications for both grants is June 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
These grants are the most important and competitive opportunities available to the fire service. This year, FEMA expects that 1,800 awards will be made under the AFG program and that 190 awards will be made under the SAFER program. Congress has made $291.6 million available for AFG and $324 million for SAFER for this fiscal year.
Fire departments are encouraged to review both Notices of Funding Opportunity carefully and begin preparing applications now. Departments should confirm that their FEMA GO access and SAM.gov registration information is current before beginning. The registration and verification steps can take several weeks, so applicants should not wait if updates to their registration are needed.
About AFG: The AFG program provides funding for operations which includes training, emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness programs, fire station modifications, and emergency response vehicles.
About SAFER: The SAFER grant program focuses on staffing and service delivery. SAFER helps fire departments improve staffing levels to maintain compliance with NFPA 1750 by providing funding to hire and train fire fighters.
The IAFF Grants Administration department can help navigate the application process, understand eligibility, and ensure your request has the best possible chance of being funded. Please contact [email protected] as early as possible for assistance. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application for review and feedback.
The IAFF will host a webinar to discuss this year’s AFG and SAFER grant opportunities and answer affiliate questions. Click the link below to register.
What: AFG/SAFER Application Webinar
When: May 27, 2026 @ 2 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register: https://iaff-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/oWBxhbbTRASotsIz9QDqQA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
