Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grants Programs Directorate is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. The purpose of the FP&S Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The FP&S Program offers grants to support activities in two categories: (1) activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards ("Fire Prevention and Safety Activity") and (2) research and development activities aimed at improving firefighter safety ("Firefighter Safety Research and Development Activity"). The program guidance document provides potential applicants with the details of the requirements, processing, and evaluation of an application for financial assistance for both of these activity areas.

Fire Departments, Private Institutions of Higher Education

??The FP&S Grant Program uses a multi-phase, merit-based process to select applications. Initially, FEMA reviews applications to confirm eligibility, ensure accurate narrative statements, and check for duplication among applicants sharing facilities. Applications are then electronically ranked based on how well they align with program priorities established by the Criteria Development Panel (CDP), which includes representatives from major fire service organizations. The highest-ranked applications are forwarded to peer review panels, where subject matter experts independently evaluate narrative statements using weighted criteria such as finances, vulnerability, project description, implementation plan, and cost-benefit for FP&S activities, and scientific rigor, potential impact, and partnerships for R&D activities. For R&D projects, both fire service and scientific panels participate in the review. Additional FEMA reviews assess technical feasibility, costs, eligibility, and financial integrity, including risk assessments and compliance with federal requirements. Final selection is determined by overall ranking, technical evaluation, and program office review to ensure awards align with program goals and statutory requirements.?

Fiscal year 2025: The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program funded 62 grant awards to mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards and improved firefighter safety, health, or well-being through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries. These awards funded projects in the areas of community risk reduction; wildfire risk reduction; code enforcement/awareness; origin and cause investigation; and national/state/regional programs and projects. The program also provided funding for research and development, including clinical studies; technology and product development; preliminary studies; and early career investigator programs. Fiscal year 2026: The FP&S Program was appropriated $32.4 million to mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards and improve firefighter safety, health, or well-being through research and development. We estimate to make 100 awards averaging $324,000 per award.