FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

June 26, 2023  

Contact: [email protected]     

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Michigan Communities to Apply for a Grant from the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program  

$12 million Available for Firefighter Equipment Purchases    

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan communities with part-time, on-call or volunteer firefighters have two weeks remaining to apply for a grant to purchase fire equipment through the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program before the July 10 deadline.   

“We must ensure our firefighters have the safety equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Governor Whitmer. “The MI Fire Equipment Grant Program provides up to $10,000 for communities to purchase fire equipment like turnout gear, hard suction hoses, or first aid supplies. I encourage all eligible communities to take advantage of this opportunity and support their first responders.”   

Under the State of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget, $12 million was appropriated to the Michigan Department of Treasury to establish and operate the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program. Grant awards of up to $10,000 are available for local units of government for eligible fire equipment purchases made between Aug. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023.  

Local communities with fire departments that are predominately on-call, part-time or volunteer in cities, villages, townships, tribal governments, or authorities or commissions are eligible to apply for a grant award.   

Applications must be received by the Michigan Department of Treasury before July 10, 2023. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in August 2023.  

“Our team is ready to receive and review MI Fire Equipment Grant Program applications from Michigan’s communities,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Please follow the instructions carefully and submit a complete and accurate application before the beginning of July. Individuals with questions should not hesitate to contact us for assistance.”   

Local communities with questions about the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program should be directed to the Michigan Department of Treasury at [email protected].   

Additional information -- like FAQs, program guidelines and application material -- is available at Michigan.gov/MIFireEquipmentGrant.   

###