The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation works to improve the lifesaving capabilities and lives of local heroes and their communities. To that end, the foundation invites applications for its First Responder Grants program. It will award up to $50,000 to support efforts to provide lifesaving equipment and prevention education tools to first responders, nonprofits, and public-safety organizations. The foundation typically awards grants ranging between $15,000 and $35,000.
The foundation primarily focuses its resources on areas served by Firehouse Subs restaurants. However, it recognizes the needs of rural and volunteer departments nationwide and will consider applications outside the 60-mile guideline.
Awards will be made in the following categories:
Lifesaving Equipment: Programs that provide first responders with lifesaving equipment, including vehicle
extrication tools, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), bunker gear, thermal imaging cameras, automated chest compression systems, vehicle stabilization struts, bulletproof vests, all-terrain vehicles, fire hoses, and other lifesaving equipment.
Prevention Education: Programs that educate the public about the importance of public safety to prevent disasters in the home and community. Examples include fire extinguisher training systems, prevention education materials, programming initiatives focused on DUI education, carbon monoxide poisoning, CPR training and accessibility, and other relevant safety issues.
Scholarships and Continued Education: Programs that provide financial resources or continued education to individuals pursuing a career in public safety. Examples include partnering with schools on scholarship programs for individuals pursuing/advancing a career in the public safety sector.
Disaster Relief: Programs that provide assistance and resources during and after natural and manāmade disasters such as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Examples include programs to feed first responders and survivors and provide lifesaving equipment to help responders better prepare for future disasters.
Support for Members of the Military: Programs that benefit men and women of the military who have served their country in any of the branches of the United States uniformed services.
Eligible applicants include law enforcement, EMS units, municipal and state organizations, public safety organizations, nonprofits, and schools.
The grant portal for Q4 2023 will open on July 13, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. ET. A maximum of 600 grant applications are accepted quarterly. Once the maximum number of applications is met, the site will close for the remainder of the quarter.
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website.