Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program
SFY2025-2026 Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program
The SFY2025-2026 Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program is a state-funded $25,000,000 competitive grant program that supports the enhancement of the security and safety of the citizens of New York State by providing critical funding to strengthen volunteer fire departments and districts statewide. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000,000 if proposing projects for construction, renovation, or purchase costs for critical facilities (buildings, training facilities, etc.) that support fire operations, or up to $500,000 if proposing projects for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve their response capabilities. Complete eligibility and program information can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA) and other supporting documentation below.
The application deadline is February 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm.
SFY2023-2024 V-FIRE Grantee Orientation Webinar
NYS DHSES announced award determinations for the SFY2023-2024 Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program and notified all organizations that applied regarding the funding decisions. For those that received an award, a grantee orientation webinar was conducted in February of 2025. The webinar recording and presentation slides are posted below for reference.
Interoperable and Emergency Communications Grants
Next Generation 911 (NG911) Grant Program
The Next Generation 911 (NG911) Grant Program is a noncompetitive grant program aimed at enhancing Next Generation 911 (NG911) for county level primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and primary PSAP backup centers to prepare for NG911 implementation. The NG911 Grant Program is devoted specifically to support call handling equipment to include interfaces, equipment, and software applications necessary for agencies to receive and process incidents with the overarching goal of increasing statewide capabilities to accept NG911 calls in accordance with the NENA i3 standard. Eligibility for this grant program is limited to New York State counties that fall outside of the five (5) boroughs of New York City.
The application period for the SFY2025 Next Generation 911 (NG911) Grant Program closed on July 31, 2025.
ESInet Readiness Grant Program
The ESInet Readiness Grant Program is a noncompetitive grant program aimed at enhancing the creation and operation of fiber-optic cable-based emergency services IP networks (ESInets) for public safety answering points (PSAPs) according to the current NENA i3 standard. Specifically, counties are encouraged to make improvements in their outside networks (owned or leased) that will prepare them for the connection to the State ESInet in a diverse and hardened manner. This grant program allows counties to receive State support for eligible expenses related to the creation and operation of a fiber-optic cable-based network for public safety answering points (PSAPs).
The application period for the Combined SFY2024, 2025 & 2026 ESInet Readiness Grant Program closed on November 12, 2025.
Statewide Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant Program (SICG-Targeted)
The Statewide Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant Program (SICG-Targeted) is a competitive grant program meant to enhance regionalization of statewide emergency communications by the development or expansion of shared core radio systems and Inter Radio Frequency (RF) Subsystem Interface (ISSI) connections, improve redundancy and resiliency of public safety radio systems and expand the coverage and frequency band capabilities of the National Interoperability Channels, using existing tower sites.
The application period for the Combined 2024-2025 Statewide Interoperable Communications Targeted Grant Program (SICG-Targeted) closed on June 11, 2025.
Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula-Based Grant (SICG-Formula)
The Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula-Based Grant (SICG-Formula) Program focuses on minimizing gaps in interoperable communications by aligning technology acquisitions with operational use by first responders, which provides the foundation necessary to accomplish a high level of interoperability. The SICG-Formula Program concentrates on improving interoperability and operability of communications systems in New York State. All New York State counties receive funding through the SICG-Formula Program.
Public Safety Answering Point Operations Grant (PSAP)
The Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Operations Grant Program provides funding to all New York State county governments to consolidate and improve their public safety answering point and emergency call center operations.
Recruitment and Retention Grant Program
The Recruitment and Retention (R&R) Grant Program is a state-funded competitive grant program that supports volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel by providing funding for recruitment and retention efforts for eligible organizations. Eligible applicants can apply for projects related to health and wellness initiatives, leadership training, educational programs, community outreach programs, special events, and certain marketing and advertising campaigns.
The application period for the SFY2025-2026 Recruitment and Retention Grant Program closed on September 10, 2025.
Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant Program
The Domestic Terrorism Prevention (DTP) Grant Program provides funding to counties to build New York State’s capability to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism through the utilization of Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) teams and the development of comprehensive Domestic Terrorism Prevention Plans.