New Jersey American Water has opened applications for its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program. The initiative provides funding to volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads, and fire aid units within the utility’s service area.
Applications will be accepted until April 10. This extended period allows departments time to align their requests with budgeting and equipment needs. Eligible organizations can apply online.
The grants, which may reach up to $2,500, are available for personal protective gear, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance, and other operational requirements. Reimbursement is also available for specific training courses and related instructional materials.
A committee of New Jersey American Water employees—including many who serve as volunteer emergency responders—will review the submissions to ensure funding supports actual needs in the field.
Since its start in 2011, the program has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. Organizations can check their eligibility by reviewing the list of communities within the utility’s service territory online.
Departments selected for funding will be notified in early May. The full list of awardees is expected to be announced later that month.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is noted as the largest statewide employer association in the country and serves private-sector employers throughout New Jersey. NJBIA promotes competitive excellence among its members while providing essential information and services through advocacy and partnerships with government entities and academic institutions. Michele Siekerka is the president and chief executive officer of NJBIA. More details about NJBIA’s mission can be found on its official website: https://njbia.org/.
Caption: (L-R) Kurt Driscoll, utility mechanic and volunteer firefighter with Strathmere Fire and Rescue, and Edward J. Scanlon, utility mechanic and Deputy Chief of Strathmere Fire and Rescue. Both are members of the New Jersey American Water Fire Grant Committee. – Image courtesy of New Jersey American Water.
