Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program (PA FCEMS)
Pennsylvania's flagship annual grant for fire, rescue, and EMS organizations. Funds a combination of up to two projects across categories including facilities (construction and renovation), equipment (firefighting, ambulance, or rescue, including vehicle fuel), debt reduction, training and certification, recruitment and retention, and a construction savings account for fire companies planning a new facility.
Who it is for
Volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads operating in Pennsylvania. A volunteer fire company that also provides EMS can apply for both a fire company grant and an EMS grant.
Department types: Career, Volunteer, Combination
An honest note on fit
The single most useful state program in Pennsylvania for most fire and EMS organizations, and notably one of the few state grants in this pilot that directly funds EMS and ambulance services. Open to both volunteer and career organizations, which is broader than many states' volunteer-only fire grants.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the funder.
Apply directly to the OSFC through its online e-grant system using a Keystone ID. To stay eligible, you must report incidents monthly via PennFIRS.
Match required: Confirm in the current year's program guidelines, which set any match by category.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization reports incidents monthly through PennFIRS, since this is required to maintain eligibility.
- Set up or log into the OSFC grant system with your Keystone ID.
- Review the current program guidelines, posted on the OSFC fire company / EMS grant page near the opening.
- Choose up to two project categories that fit your needs, such as equipment plus training.
- Submit the online application before the deadline, then electronically sign your grant agreement if awarded.
Deadline: Annual. The FY2025-26 application window opened September 5, 2025 and closed October 20, 2025, with grant agreements due to be signed by May 31, 2026. Check the OSFC grant page for the current cycle. (Annual cycle)
Funding: A long-running statewide program funding many awards each year. Award amounts vary by project category and the year's appropriation.
Verified as of 2026-05-31. Programs are checked periodically against their official source. Funding details and deadlines change. Confirm the current requirements on the official program page before you apply.