If your fire department has been putting off equipment upgrades, staffing decisions, or safety improvements due to budget constraints, now is the moment to act. FEMA has opened $648 million in grant funding across three major programs, and the deadline to apply is June 22 at 5 p.m. ET.
What's Available
Three FEMA grant programs are currently accepting applications:
- AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grants) — $291.6 million for equipment, PPE, and vehicles
- SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) — $324 million for staffing and recruitment
- FP&S (Fire Prevention and Safety) — $32.4 million for fire prevention and safety research
Each program targets a different need, so the right fit depends on what your department is currently lacking, whether that's gear, personnel, or community safety initiatives.
The Fastest Path: AFG Micro Grants
If your department has an urgent PPE or equipment gap and the cost is under $75,000, the AFG Micro Grant is worth prioritizing. It's a streamlined application process designed for smaller, focused requests, making it the fastest realistic path to funding before the June 22 deadline.
The key to a strong Micro Grant application is staying focused. Rather than trying to address every need at once, build your request around a single, clear gap, and tie it directly to firefighter safety, regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and demonstrated financial need. A tightly scoped application is easier to evaluate and easier to approve.
How Vallfirest Can Help
Whether you're applying for an AFG Micro Grant or a larger program, having the right equipment lined up makes a real difference. Vallfirest has high-priority, ready-to-ship equipment that fits well within AFG-eligible categories, including:
- BP4 & BH4 Portable Pumps
- Protective Clothing & Helmets
- Wildfire Hand Tools
- Skid Units
But our support doesn't stop at equipment. Our North America team works directly with fire departments throughout the entire application process, from checking eligibility and understanding program requirements to selecting the equipment that best matches your department's operational needs.
Don't Wait
With $648 million on the table and a hard deadline of June 22, time is the biggest constraint right now. If you've been considering an equipment upgrade or have an immediate gap that needs addressing, this is the moment to move.
Reach out to the Vallfirest team today, we're here to help every step of the way.
