New Jersey American Water opens 2027 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program

New Jersey American Water has opened applications for its 2027 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads, rescue squads and other emergency response organizations in the company’s service areas.

Fire response and evacuations

Applications will be accepted through April 2, 2027.

The earlier launch and expanded application period respond to feedback received by members of New Jersey American Water‘s Fire and EMS Grant Committee, many of whom also volunteer with local fire and emergency response organizations.

Committee members shared that a longer application window would give departments more time to assess equipment and training needs, align requests with their budgeting processes and plan for the year ahead.

“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.”

Building and location background

The company will award approximately $50,000 through the program and has doubled the maximum award from $2,500 to $5,000 per organization.