FY 2025 SAFER Recruitment and Retention Workshop
FEMA's SAFER Grant funds hiring, recruitment, and retention of firefighters to help departments meet operational standards and improve emergency response.
Funder: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Due Dates: June 22, 2026: Full application submission deadline (FY2025 SAFER application period closes)
Funding Amounts: $324 million total program funding; recent awards range from ~$1M to $9M per project; no cost share required.
Summary: Supports fire departments and organizations in hiring, recruitment, and retention of firefighters to improve emergency response capabilities.
Key Information: Application must be submitted via FEMA GO; program supports both hiring and volunteer recruitment/retention activities.
Description
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, administered by FEMA, provides direct funding to fire departments and firefighter interest organizations to help increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters in communities. The program aims to enhance local fire departments’ ability to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards, specifically those established by NFPA 1710 and/or 1720. Funding is available for both the hiring of new firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
A virtual workshop is available to provide an overview of the program, guidance on the application process, and tips for preparing a successful application.
