Grants

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation supports local public safety response agencies through the Rewarding Responders Grant. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded more than $600,000 to over 211 agencies statewide.

Qualifications

• All organizations must provide emergency response services in the WPS service area
• County, local and volunteer fire, law enforcement and rescue agencies are encouraged to apply
• Organizations that received 2025 grants are ineligible for the 2026 grant cycle

Guidelines

Grants may be used to purchase equipment and professional development, but should be part of a well-planned and integrated public safety initiative. Projects must be special, one-time, safety-related efforts. Any equipment purchased with this grant must stay in the ownership of the department for a minimum of five years unless it is consumable or becomes expired.

The foundation awards $75,000 per year. The maximum grant amount is $2,000 per project and must be used within two years. Organizations previously awarded a grant prior to 2025 are eligible to apply for a new project. Only one application per organization will be accepted.

Criteria and Judging

Online application requires the following and an attachment of a budget:

• Organization name (entity which holds nonprofit or government status).
• EIN or Federal Tax Identification Number.
• Organization description. Include organization size (number of members, safety vehicles, etc.), volunteer or paid staff, location or geographical size of area served, number of events the organization responded to last year, etc. (10 points)
• Project title. This may include name of equipment or training.
• Project description. Describe the equipment or training being requested and why (if upgrading, include how old the current equipment is). Include how it will be used, why it was chosen, its life expectancy, and maintenance requirements. (15 points)
• Project impacts. Explain why the equipment or training is needed, how it supports safety initiatives in your community, who would benefit, and how frequently it would be used. Include data or statistics where possible. (15 points)
• Project timeline and funding sources. Describe when the equipment will be purchased or training will take place. Include any additional funding sources. (5 points)
• Portion of project funded. Will the organization proceed if only a portion of the project is funded?
• WPS employees/retirees. Do any volunteer at your organization?
• Acknowledgement. Describe how the WPS Foundation will be recognized. (5 points)
• Budget attachment. A simple budget or vendor quote is required. Include the full cost of the equipment or training.

Considered for Funding

• Lifesaving equipment, such as AEDs, Jaws of Life, CO and natural gas measuring equipment, thermal imaging cameras, pediatric IV kits, night-vision cameras, and job-related safety gear including masks, helmets, coveralls, fire resistant suits, and ballistic vests.
• Professional development/training inclusive of registration fees, tuition, and on-site trainer fees.

Not Considered for Funding

Emergency generators; capital projects such as new buildings and large vehicle purchases; real estate; endowments; software; T-shirts or other promotional items; travel fees; stipends; and meals.

Application

Apply between May 1 - June 15. Winners are notified by July 31.

Apply for WPS Rewarding Responders Grant

Contact

Foundation administrator
920-433-1433

Grants awarded by the Merrill Community Foundation provide funding for projects and programs that enhance the lives of Merrill's residents and visitors. The checklist and guidelines linked below will help determine if your project or program is eligible for consideration.

• Are you a registered nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status?
• Does your project or program align with the Foundation's charitable mission in areas such as human services, education, health and wellness, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, and community development?
• Will your project be implemented within a two-year timeframe?

Submission Deadlines: April 10 and September 10

Notification: Applicants will receive notification within four weeks of the deadline

If this is your first time applying, discuss your project idea with a member of the Advisory Board before completing an application. Contact the Advisory Board at info@merrillcf.org.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities.

The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720). FEMA has made $324 million available for the FY 2025 SAFER program.

Learn More

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources. FEMA has made $291.6 million available for the FY 2025 AFG program.

Learn More

Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. They support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards, with a primary goal of reducing injury and preventing death among high-risk populations. Eligible uses include Firefighter Safety Research and Development.

Learn More

The FAP provides supplemental funding for qualified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. The SFY 2026 application period ran from August 18 through September 29, 2025. SFY 2027 application dates have not yet been announced. Check the DHS website for updates.

To qualify for FAP, EMS services must be licensed in Wisconsin, provide transporting services, and respond to 911 calls for a primary service area.

• FAP Guidance, P-02422 (PDF)
• FAP Purchasing Guide, P-02422a (PDF)
• FAP Frequently Asked Questions, P-02422b (PDF)
• EMS Program Municipal Signature and Population Verification, F-47255 (PDF)

Direct questions to DHSFAP@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Full details: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/fap.htm

• Ongoing applications accepted for up to $45,000

• Grants for first responders and public safety organizations for life-saving equipment (e.g., AEDs, vehicle extraction equipment, ATVs), public education (e.g., CPR training), and scholarships.

• Learn more and apply

• Applications accepted and reviewed quarterly

• Grants to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of communities where Walmart operates, including Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs, and Distribution Centers.

• Open to 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, schools, and faith-based organizations for $250 to $5,000

• Learn more and apply

Agency Name: Gary Sinise Foundation
Ongoing

Grants to U.S. and territories emergency response providers for training and equipment. Eligible applicants include paramedic or EMS departments, fire departments, and law enforcement departments. Priority is given to volunteer departments and low- or underfunded departments.

Agency Name: First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF)
Ongoing

Grants to U.S. first responders to help mitigate expenses. Funding is intended to assist with housing payments, work-related medical or mental health expenses, and childcare or eldercare expenses.

Agency Name: CPR Savers
Ongoing

This program provides grants to cover all or part of the cost of purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Agency Name: Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
Ongoing

Grants to U.S. first responders, military personnel, and veterans with disabilities for sports and fitness programs that enhance physical and mental health. Applicants may request funding for sports equipment and program expenses.

Agency Name: Dispensary of Hope
Ongoing

Dispensary of Hope donates medications to assist nonprofit health systems, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in serving their patient population, especially low-income individuals and the uninsured.

Agency Name: First Responder Service & Awards
Ongoing

To be eligible, you must be employed full-time as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, or law enforcement officer by a fire department, EMS unit, or law enforcement agency of the Federal Government, a state, a unit of general local government, or an Indian tribal government, serving in the locality in which the home is located.

Agency Name: First Responder Service & Awards
Ongoing

Housing grants of up to $8,000 are available to law enforcement officers and support staff. Subject to availability, recipients receive a minimum $1,000 non-repayable grant toward a home purchase, with possible additional down payment assistance of up to $10,681.