The FY2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is now open, with $291.6 million in available funding across approximately 1,800 anticipated awards.
While the overall structure of the program remains consistent, several important updates to priorities, funding rules and timelines could significantly impact how departments prepare and position their applications this year.
Below are the most important changes — and what they mean for your agency.
Key changes for FY2025 AFG applicants
FEMA’s updated guidance includes both strategic priority shifts and tighter administrative expectations for applicants.
Wellness and fitness programs elevated to high priority: FEMA has elevated Priority 1 wellness and fitness activities to high-priority status, reinforcing a strong focus on firefighter health, safety and long-term risk reduction. These high-priority activities include:
- Initial medical exams
- Job-related immunizations
- Annual medical and fitness evaluations
- Behavioral health services
- Cancer screening programs
What this means for applicants: Departments that present a comprehensive NFPA-aligned wellness program will be more competitive in FY2025. Applicants should address all required components before pursuing lower-priority requests, such as fitness equipment or program enhancements.
New restrictions on excess funds: FEMA has introduced clearer guidance on the use of excess grant funds. In most cases, any unused funding must now be deobligated and returned, rather than repurposed for additional activities. Exceptions may be considered in urgent situations, such as those involving a presidentially declared disaster, but these are expected to be limited.
What this means for applicants: Applicants should focus on accurate project scoping and budgeting upfront. Overestimating costs in hopes of reallocating funds later is no longer a viable strategy.
Updated extension guidelines: FEMA has tightened rules around project timelines and extensions. Period of performance extensions are now:
- Limited to 6 months
- Restricted to completing the original, unamended scope of work
Vehicle and apparatus awards may receive additional time, but flexibility overall has been reduced.
What this means for applicants: Departments should prioritize realistic timelines, vendor coordination and readiness to execute. Delays or scope changes will be more difficult to accommodate under the updated rules.
Additional updates to watch
Applicants should also review several smaller updates that could affect project eligibility and purchasing decisions.
- Training props are capped at $100,000 per item.
- Wellness eligibility has been narrowed to fire personnel, fire inspectors and EMS personnel.
- Equipment requirements remain strict, particularly for communications.
Strategic takeaways for FY2025 applicants
As agencies finalize their submissions, several strategic considerations should remain front of mind:
- Build complete wellness programs, not partial initiatives.
- Ensure all requests meet current standards and eligibility requirements.
- Develop precise budgets and clearly defined project scopes.
- Plan for tight execution timelines with limited extension flexibility.
- Start early on documentation, especially for complex projects.
Final thoughts
The FY2025 AFG updates reflect a continued shift toward health-focused investments, stricter compliance and disciplined project execution. Agencies that align early with these expectations will be better positioned to submit competitive applications and successfully manage awarded funds.
If you are in need of additional support and guidance, contact the GrantFinder team for grant writing help today.
