SHIELD616 Rifle-Rated Armor Program (SHIELD616)
Provides complete rifle-rated armor kits (rifle plates, carrier, and ballistic helmet) to first responders. Important: SHIELD616 is not a grant maker. It partners with an agency and helps the community raise the funds to buy that agency's kits, then supplies and presents the gear. Kits are replaced every five years at no cost.
Who it is for
Police, sheriff, fire, and EMS agencies that lack rifle-rated protection or have expiring armor. The organization works with the agency and its local community to fund the kits.
Department types: Any department
An honest note on fit
Real and valuable for rifle-rated protection, but understand the model: this is community fundraising plus donated gear, not a grant you apply for and receive. It suits an agency willing to partner on a local fundraising campaign. If you need money fast with no fundraising, a true grant program is a better first stop.
Before you start
How you apply: Apply through a sponsor organization.
You do not apply for a cash grant. You partner with SHIELD616, which helps coordinate community fundraising to cover your agency's armor kits and then provides the gear.
Match required: Not a match in the usual sense, but the model depends on community fundraising for your agency, which SHIELD616 helps organize.
How to apply
- Contact SHIELD616 through the agencies page to start a partnership and discuss how many responders need armor and what configuration fits your uniforms.
- Work with SHIELD616 and local volunteers on the fundraising effort to cover the kits for your agency, using their support materials.
- Once kits are funded, SHIELD616 provides the Angel Armor kits (plates, carrier, helmet) and typically holds a community vest presentation.
- Plan for the five-year replacement cycle the organization provides at no additional cost.
Deadline: Ongoing partnership model rather than a fixed grant cycle. Timing depends on how quickly the community raises the funds for your agency's kits. (Rolling, apply any time)
Funding: Complete rifle-rated kits valued at roughly $2,500 to $2,850 each, provided as equipment once community fundraising covers them. Not a cash award.
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.