New Jersey American Water opens 2027 volunteer fire and EMS grant program, increases maximum awards to $5,000
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey American Water has opened applications for its 2027 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, offering approximately $50,000 in funding to eligible volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads, rescue squads and other emergency response organizations throughout its service areas.
The company announced Thursday that it has doubled the maximum grant award from $2,500 to $5,000 per organization. Applications will be accepted through April 2, 2027.
The earlier launch and extended application period follow feedback from members of New Jersey American Water’s Fire and EMS Grant Committee, many of whom also volunteer with local emergency response organizations.
According to the company, committee members indicated that a longer application window would allow departments additional time to evaluate equipment and training needs, coordinate funding requests with their budgets and plan for future operations.
“Volunteer fire and EMS organizations provide an essential service to our communities, often while managing limited resources and competing operational needs,” said Kim Schalek Downes, vice president of business development, government and external affairs for New Jersey American Water. “By opening the program earlier and increasing the maximum award to $5,000, we are responding directly to feedback from volunteer departments and giving applicants more flexibility to plan for investments that can strengthen emergency response and enhance responder safety.”
Now entering its 17th year, the program provides financial assistance to volunteer emergency response organizations for equipment, training and other operational needs.
Eligible purchases include personal protective equipment, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, water-handling equipment, vehicle equipment and other materials used in emergency response operations. Certain fire and EMS training expenses, including training materials, may also qualify for funding.
Since establishing the program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations across its service areas.
Previous grants have supported the purchase of thermal imaging cameras, gas detection equipment, emergency communications systems, pulse CO-oximeters, training materials and other lifesaving resources.
Organizations interested in applying can review eligibility requirements and submit applications through New Jersey American Water’s Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program webpage.
The application deadline is April 2, 2027.
Questions about the program may be directed to Kate Brown at kate.brown@amwater.com.
