Maximum grant increases to $5,000; earlier application cycle gives departments more time to plan and budget
CAMDEN, N.J., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Jersey American Water announced today that applications are open 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.
The company will award approximately $50,000 through the program and has doubled the maximum award from $2,500 to $5,000 per organization. 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.”
Now entering its 17th year, the program helps eligible organizations purchase personal protective equipment, communications equipment, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, water-handling equipment, vehicle equipment and other materials used to support volunteer fire and emergency response operations. Certain fire and EMS training expenses, including training materials, may also qualify.
Since launching the program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units throughout its service areas. Funding has supported a wide range of needs, including thermal imaging cameras, gas detection equipment, emergency communications equipment, pulse CO-oximeters, training materials and other critical lifesaving resources.
Eligible organizations can review the program requirements and submit an application through April 2, 2027, by visiting New Jersey American Water’s Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program webpage. Questions may be directed to Kate Brown at kate.brown@amwater.com.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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