Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program
General information
The FY 2025 SAFER Grant Program, known as the SAFER Program, is one of three grant programs from DHS and FEMA that improve public and firefighter safety related to fire hazards. The SAFER Program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to increase the number of firefighters. This funding supports communities in meeting industry standards, achieving 24-hour staffing, and ensuring adequate protection from fire hazards while supporting the traditional missions of fire departments.
1.Hiring Activity
The Hiring Activity provides grants to support fire departments in hiring new firefighters or converting part-time or paid-on-call firefighters to full-time positions. However, national, regional, state, local, Tribal Nation, and nonprofit organizations that represent volunteer firefighters are not eligible for SAFER Program awards under the Hiring Activity.
2.R&R Activity
The R&R Activity provides grants to help fire departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters trained in firefighting and emergency response operations. Career fire departments are not eligible for funding under the R&R Activity.
Funding details
Funding application timeline
Grant eligibility
Allowable Project Types
1.Hiring Activity
The Hiring Activity provides grants to support fire departments in hiring new firefighters or converting part-time or paid-on-call firefighters to full-time positions. However, national, regional, state, local, Tribal Nation, and nonprofit organizations that represent volunteer firefighters are not eligible for SAFER Program awards under the Hiring Activity.
2.R&R Activity
The R&R Activity provides grants to help fire departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters trained in firefighting and emergency response operations. Career fire departments are not eligible for funding under the R&R Activity.