💰 FUNDING YOUR DEPARTMENT FITNESS PROGRAM

The Funding Gap

Most fire departments know they need a fitness program. The data is clear: cardiac events are the #1 killer of on-duty firefighters, and regular exercise cuts that risk in half. But when chiefs look at the price tag for equipment, medical screenings, and training certifications, the conversation often stops.

It doesn't have to. Hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding are available specifically for fire department wellness and fitness programs. From federal FEMA grants to private foundations that will ship free equipment to your station, there are more funding options than most departments realize.

This guide walks you through every major grant opportunity, explains what each one covers, and gives you the tools to write a winning application.

What Can Grants Fund?

Depending on the grant, you can fund some or all of these:

• Fitness equipment: Treadmills, rowers, free weights, racks, functional trainers
• Medical screenings: Annual physicals, cardiac screening, cancer screening
• Training & certification: Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) certification, IAFF Fit to Thrive
• Behavioral health: Mental wellness programs, resilience training, peer support
• Immunizations: Job-related vaccinations (Hepatitis B, flu, etc.)
• Facility improvements: Station gym buildout, flooring, ventilation

The Gold Standard for Fitness Funding

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is the primary federal funding mechanism for fire department wellness and fitness programs. Administered by FEMA, AFG awards hundreds of millions annually to fire departments across the country.

The AFG Wellness & Fitness Activity uses a two-tier priority system that is critical to understand:

Priority 1 Activities (Required Foundation)

You must either already have these in place OR request them in the same application before FEMA will consider any Priority 2 items:

1. Entry/initial medical physical examinations
2. Job-related immunizations (Hepatitis B, flu, tetanus, etc.)
3. Annual medical fitness evaluations
4. Behavioral health program (peer support, EAP, critical incident stress)
5. Cancer screening program

Priority 2 Activities (Equipment & Training)

Only funded if all Priority 1 items are in place or included in the application:

• Fitness equipment (treadmills, rowers, free weights, functional trainers)
• Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) certification (IAFF Fit to Thrive F2T 101)
• Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) implementation
• IAFF Resiliency training
• Facility modifications for fitness areas

AFG Key Details

Funding Amounts

• Total program: ~$370 million annually
• Award ceiling: Up to $9,000,000 per application
• Typical wellness awards: $25,000 - $250,000+ depending on department size

Cost Share (Match) Requirements

• Population under 20,000: 5% cost share
• Population 20,000 - 1,000,000: 10% cost share
• Population over 1,000,000: 15% cost share

Application Cycle

• Application period: Typically opens November, closes December
• Awards announced: Following spring/summer
• Performance period: 12 months from award date

Eligibility

• Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments
• Non-affiliated EMS organizations
• Must serve a community and not be a for-profit entity

How to Apply

• Portal: FEMA GO (go.fema.gov)
• Prerequisite: Active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• Help Desk: 866-274-0960 or firegrants@fema.dhs.gov
• Program Page: fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters

Other FEMA Grant Programs

SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response)

SAFER is primarily a staffing/personnel grant — it funds salary and benefits to help departments hire or retain firefighters. While it doesn't directly fund fitness equipment, adequate staffing enables on-duty workout time. If your department can't create time for fitness because you're understaffed, SAFER may be the first grant to pursue.

• Portal: FEMA GO (go.fema.gov)
• Program Page: fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S)

FP&S funds fire prevention and research into firefighter safety, health, and performance. It's not for equipment purchases, but if you want to partner with a university on a research study about your fitness program's outcomes, FP&S is the right vehicle.

• Program Page: fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safety-awards

Foundation Grants Are Often Easier to Get

While AFG is the big prize, private foundation grants are often easier to apply for, have shorter turnaround times, and some require no cost match at all. Apply to multiple simultaneously to maximize your chances.

State-Level Grant Programs

Many states offer their own firefighter wellness and equipment grants. Click any state below for details — and check with your state fire marshal and firefighters' association for additional programs in your area.

Colorado Heart fitness screening grants

Firefighter Heart Fitness Grant

• Amount: $50 per enrolled firefighter annually (accumulates up to 3 years)
• Covers: Cardiovascular risk screening, heart health assessments (e.g., CSU CORE program)
• Admin: Colorado Firefighter Heart & Cancer Trust
• Website: cfhtrust.com/firefighter-fitness-grant

Florida Cancer prevention equipment grants

Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant

• Amount: Varies ($2.4M total awarded to 197 departments to date)
• Covers: PPE extractors, decontamination supplies, cancer prevention training, second sets of hoods/gloves
• Match: 25% non-state matching funds required
• Admin: Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
• Website: myfloridacfo.com

Kentucky Fitness equipment & gear extractors

Health & Wellness Fitness Equipment Grant

• Amount: Funded from 2% of Fire Commission budget allocated to Health, Wellness & Safety
• Covers: Fitness equipment and gear extractors — one of the few state programs that explicitly funds gym equipment
• Admin: Kentucky Fire Commission
• Website: kyfirecommission.kctcs.edu

Massachusetts Free cancer screenings for all firefighters

Firefighter Cancer Screening Program

• Amount: Free (state-funded, no cost to departments)
• Covers: Oral cancer screenings, mammograms, CT scans, PSA tests, skin cancer screenings, cancer awareness training
• Eligibility: All active MA firefighters — career, volunteer, call, and retired
• Admin: Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
• Website: mass.gov

Minnesota Free comprehensive wellness services

Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (MnFIRE)

• Amount: Free services (state-funded, no application needed)
• Covers: 24/7 mental health hotline, up to 5 free counseling visits/year, peer support, up to $20,000 critical illness payment, free wellness trainings (fitness, nutrition, sleep, stress), free Calm app
• Eligibility: All active MN firefighters (volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time, full-time)
• Admin: Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE)
• Website: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap

New York Volunteer recruitment & wellness grants

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment & Retention Grant

• Amount: Varies ($576K program); separate V-FIRE program up to $1M for facilities
• Covers: Health and wellness initiatives, leadership training, PPE — wellness is explicitly eligible
• Eligibility: Fire companies with at least 50% volunteers
• Admin: NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
• Website: dhses.ny.gov

North Carolina Up to $40K for volunteer departments

Volunteer Fire Department Fund

• Amount: Up to $40,000 per department
• Covers: Equipment purchases and capital expenditures with highest priority on firefighter safety equipment
• Admin: North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Website: ncosfm.gov

Ohio Up to $50K for small county volunteer depts

Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant

• Amount: Up to $50,000 per department ($8M total program)
• Covers: Firefighter equipment and gear, rescue equipment, fire protection service costs
• Eligibility: Volunteer departments (50%+ volunteer) in counties under 70,000 population
• Admin: Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal

Pennsylvania $37.5M program for 2,500+ departments

Fire Company & EMS Grant Program

• Amount: ~$15K average per department ($37.5M total distributed to 2,500+ departments)
• Covers: Equipment, training, facility improvements — wellness equipment may qualify under equipment category
• Admin: PA Office of the State Fire Commissioner
• Website: pa.gov/services/osfc

Texas $1K–$10K wellness grants

Emergency Responder Health & Wellness Grant

• Amount: $1,000 - $10,000 per department
• Admin: VFIS of Texas / State Firefighters' & Fire Marshals' Association
• Website: vfistx.com/grants.html

Virginia Up to $30K wellness grants

Office of First Responder Wellness Grant

• Amount: Up to $30,000 per application ($2.7M total program)
• Covers: Wellness training, therapeutic equipment, wellness services
• Admin: Virginia DCJS
• Website: dcjs.virginia.gov

Washington Workers' comp discount + equipment grants

FIIRE Program

• Benefit: Workers' comp premium discount PLUS equipment grants
• Admin: WA Department of Labor & Industries
• Website: lni.wa.gov/fiire

Wisconsin Fitness & wellness explicitly eligible

EMS Funding Assistance Program

• Amount: Varies by program
• Covers: Equipment, training, facility updates — explicitly includes wellness and fitness as eligible expenses
• Admin: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Website: dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems

USDA Community Facilities Rural departments — all states

USDA Community Facilities Grant (Federal)

• Amount: Up to 75% grant funding for communities under 5,000
• Covers: Facility improvements, equipment purchases
• Eligibility: Rural areas with populations under 20,000
• Website: rd.usda.gov/community-facilities

Finding Your State's Programs

The programs listed above are just a sample — many other states offer grants that can fund wellness and equipment. For example, Kansas (Volunteer Firefighter Grant for PPE, physicals, and extractors), Illinois (Small Equipment Grant up to $26K), New Jersey (ARP Firefighter Grant up to $75K), and South Carolina (V-SAFE Grant up to $30K) all have relevant programs. State grant programs change frequently, so contact these offices to find current opportunities:

• Your state fire marshal's office — the #1 resource for state-level grants
• Your state firefighters' association — often administers or publicizes grants
• Your state emergency management agency
• Your state fire academy
• Your workers' compensation carrier — many offer wellness incentive programs

Workers' Compensation Incentives

Don't overlook your workers' comp carrier. Many insurers (including VFIS and Texas Mutual) offer premium discounts or grants to departments that implement wellness programs, because healthier firefighters generate fewer claims.

Contact your carrier directly and ask about:

• Wellness incentive programs
• Premium discount programs
• Safety grant programs
• Equipment reimbursement for injury prevention

Side-by-Side Comparison

Grant	Max Amount	Equipment	Training	Match	Volunteer
AFG Wellness	$250K+ typical	Yes (P2)	Yes	5-15%	Yes
555 Fitness	~$3,000 equip	Yes	Yes	None	Yes
Leary Foundation	$5K - $25K	Yes	Yes	None	Yes
State Farm/NVFC	$10,000	Yes	No	None	50%+ vol.
Gary Sinise	Varies	Yes	Yes	None	Priority
Firehouse Subs	$45K/quarter	Life-saving	No	None	Yes
USDA Rural	75% of project	Yes	No	25%+	Yes

Which Grant Should You Start With?

• Career department, any size: AFG Wellness & Fitness is your primary target. Supplement with Leary Foundation and 555 Fitness.
• Volunteer department, small community: Start with 555 Fitness (easiest) and State Farm/NVFC. Apply for AFG as well.
• Rural department under 20,000 population: Add USDA Community Facilities to your list — up to 75% funding.
• Any department needing quick wins: 555 Fitness and NVFC Heart-Healthy resources are fast and free.

The Anatomy of a Strong Grant Application

Whether you're applying for AFG or a private foundation grant, strong applications share common elements:

1. Clearly Define the Need

Don't just say "we need fitness equipment." Paint a picture:

• How many members does your department have?
• What is your current wellness program status? (None? Informal?)
• Have any members had cardiac events, injuries, or health issues related to fitness?
• What is your community's population, call volume, and risk profile?
• What are your current injury rates and workers' comp claims?

2. Align with National Standards

Reviewers favor applications that reference recognized standards:

• NFPA 1583: Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Department Members
• IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI): The gold standard framework
• NFFF 16 Life Safety Initiatives: Initiative #6 covers Medical and Physical Fitness

3. Show How You'll Sustain It

Grants fund the launch; you need to show you'll maintain it:

• Who will champion the program? (Name specific roles)
• How will you track participation and outcomes?
• What's your plan for equipment maintenance?
• How will you maintain engagement over time?

4. Demonstrate Labor-Management Collaboration

For AFG especially, showing that leadership and union (or membership) are aligned is critical. Include letters of support from both sides.

5. Be Specific About Budget

Itemize everything. Don't say "fitness equipment — $15,000." Instead:

• Concept 2 RowErg — $990
• REP Fitness Squat Rack PR-4000 — $699
• Rogue Ohio Bar — $295
• Bumper plate set (260 lbs) — $499

Specificity shows you've done your homework and have a real plan.

Common Mistakes That Kill Applications

• Requesting Priority 2 without Priority 1 (AFG): This is an automatic denial
• Expired SAM.gov registration: Your application can't be processed. Renew annually.
• Vague need statements: "We need equipment" doesn't cut it. Be specific about the problem.
• No sustainability plan: Reviewers want to know the grant isn't a one-time purchase that collects dust
• Missing the deadline: Most grants have firm close dates. Submit at least 48 hours early.
• Not proofreading: Typos and errors suggest a lack of care and attention
• Inflated budgets: Get real quotes. Reviewers know market prices.

Free Application Review Services

Don't submit your application without having someone review it first:

• IAFF Grants Administration: Free review for IAFF member departments. Contact grants@iaff.org or (202) 824-1559
• US Spine & Sport Foundation: Assists departments with grant writing for wellness-fitness programs. usspineandsportfoundation.com
• Your state fire academy or firefighters' association: Many offer grant writing workshops and review

Annual Grant Calendar

Grant opportunities cycle throughout the year. Plan ahead so you're ready when windows open:

Key Websites & Portals

Important Standards & Frameworks

• NFPA 1583: Standard on Health-Related Fitness Programs for Fire Department Members — the standard reviewers want to see you reference. nfpa.org/1583
• IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative: The gold standard framework for fire service wellness — iaff.org/wfi
• NFFF 16 Life Safety Initiatives: Initiative #6 covers Medical and Physical Fitness — everyonegoeshome.com
• IAFF Fit to Thrive (F2T): Peer Fitness Trainer certification program — AFG-eligible — iaff.org/grants

Recommended Strategy: Your First 90 Days

1. Today: Download the free NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Resource Guide and IAFF WFI materials
2. This week: Register on SAM.gov, get your UEI number, and create your FEMA GO account
3. Within 30 days: Apply to 555 Fitness — it's free, easy, and no match required
4. Within 60 days: Gather department data and begin drafting your AFG narrative
5. Within 90 days: Contact IAFF Grants Administration for application review
6. Ongoing: Check your state fire marshal and firefighters' association for state-specific grants