LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Treasury announced on Friday the launch of the Fire Equipment Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to help local units of government purchase critical fire equipment and fire gear for on-call, part-time, and volunteer firefighters.

The program was created to strengthen public safety and support fire departments that rely heavily on non-full-time personnel. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible local units of government that submit a completed application and proposed budget outlining how funds will be used to purchase qualifying fire equipment or gear.

“This grant program provides support to local fire departments, including those that are staffed primarily by on-call, part-time or volunteer firefighters,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Ensuring that local fire departments have proper equipment directly supports the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve. Additionally, this grant program also assists with local budgets. Fire departments should not wait to apply.”

Applications must be submitted to Treasury by June 19, 2026. Awards will be announced in August.

“Firefighting is inherently dangerous, and today’s fire environment continues to evolve with increasing demands on departments across Michigan,” State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes said. “Having the right equipment is critical to protecting firefighters and ensuring they can safely and effectively protect the communities they serve.”

Treasury received an $8 million one-time appropriation in the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget to award fire equipment and fire gear grants to qualified local units of government. Of this amount, at least $4 million must be awarded to local units of government whose fire departments are predominantly staffed by on-call, part-time, or volunteer personnel.

The grants are competitive. Award amounts are contingent on available funding and may be lower than requested.

To qualify, local units of government must apply and submit a proposed budget demonstrating how grant funds will support the purchase of fire equipment or fire gear for on-call, part-time, or volunteer firefighters.