What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator is a grant funding platform and professional services firm that helps fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, municipalities, and nonprofits find and secure grants — without hiring expensive consultants. It provides AI-powered grant matching, expert grant writing, project planning, and post-award compliance services. The company has helped 500+ public safety agencies secure over $47 million in funding at up to 90% less than traditional consultants.

What types of organizations does Funding Navigator serve?

Funding Navigator serves fire departments (career and volunteer), law enforcement agencies (police and sheriff), EMS and ambulance services, emergency management offices, municipalities and local governments, K-12 schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits across the United States.

What grants does Funding Navigator help with?

Funding Navigator helps organizations secure: FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), FEMA SAFER Grant, FEMA BRIC, FEMA HMGP, COPS Office Hiring Program, Byrne JAG, USDA Community Facilities, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), state grants, private foundation grants, congressional earmarks, and more — totaling over $1 trillion in annual funding.

How much does Funding Navigator cost?

Funding Navigator is up to 90% cheaper than traditional grant consultants, who typically charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application. Pricing depends on the services required. A free consultation is available, and organizations can join for free to access the Fund Finder tool.

How does Funding Navigator work?

Funding Navigator works in 3 steps: (1) You describe your project need — building, equipment, staffing, or technology. (2) The platform matches you with the grants you're most likely to win. (3) Expert grant writers guide your team through the application with review at every stage. The process is 80% faster than applying without assistance.

Can volunteer fire departments use Funding Navigator?

Yes. Funding Navigator works with fire departments of all sizes — from small all-volunteer departments to large urban career departments. Volunteer and rural departments often have advantages with FEMA AFG and private grants that prioritize underserved communities.

What is the FEMA AFG grant?

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is one of the most important federal grants for fire departments, providing funding for equipment, vehicles, training, and wellness programs. Funding Navigator has extensive experience helping fire departments apply for and win AFG funding.

What is the SAFER grant?

The FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant helps fire departments hire and retain firefighters. It is one of the largest federal grants available to fire departments. Funding Navigator helps eligible departments navigate the SAFER application process.

Does Funding Navigator help with 501(c)(3) formation?

Yes. Funding Navigator provides full 501(c)(3) nonprofit formation services including Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, IRS Form 1023 application, SAM.gov registration, and DUNS/UEI setup — everything a fire department or public safety organization needs to establish a supporting foundation and access private grants.

What is the average grant size Funding Navigator clients receive?

The average grant secured through Funding Navigator is $209,000. Results vary depending on the project type, organization size, and funding source. Funding Navigator focuses on matching organizations with the highest-value opportunities for their specific needs.

What are congressional earmarks and can Funding Navigator help?

Congressional earmarks (Community Project Funding / Congressionally Directed Spending) are direct funding allocations secured through a U.S. Representative or Senator. In FY2024, over $14.6 billion was allocated through earmarks. Funding Navigator helps organizations identify and pursue earmark opportunities for infrastructure and capital projects.

How is Funding Navigator different from a traditional grant consultant?

Traditional grant consultants charge $5,000–$20,000+ per application and handle one grant at a time. Funding Navigator provides expert writing, matching, and compliance support at up to 90% less cost, while simultaneously pursuing multiple grants — giving clients 24x more applications per year and building long-term funding capacity.

What is Funding Navigator?

Funding Navigator - Find and win the grants your organization needs. Simple tools to discover funding, submit applications, and get expert support every step of the way.

What is included in the Funding Navigator Fire Package?

The Fire Package includes complete grant writing and application submission for all three federal fire grants — AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant), SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response), and FP&S (Fire Prevention & Safety) — plus a full one-year Funding Navigator subscription. The subscription gives your department access to every state, regional, foundation, and private funding source you qualify for, plus deadline tracking, post-award compliance support (Davis-Bacon, BABA, EHP), and quarterly performance reporting.

Who is eligible for the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants?

Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments are eligible for all three. Nonaffiliated EMS organizations are also eligible for AFG. Volunteer firefighter interest organizations are eligible for SAFER recruitment & retention activities. National, regional, state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations involved in fire prevention may apply for FP&S. Funding Navigator will confirm your department's eligibility during onboarding.

How much do the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants award?

AFG awards typically range from $50,000 to $3,000,000 or more depending on department size and project type. SAFER awards typically range from $500,000 to $10,000,000+ — SAFER pays 100% of salary and benefits for career hires for 3 years with no local match. FP&S awards typically range from $10,000 to $1,500,000.

When are the FEMA AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant deadlines?

AFG typically opens in late summer or early fall. SAFER typically opens in winter or early spring. FP&S typically opens in winter. All three are administered by FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate and have annual application windows. Reservations for the Fire Package close June 5 so our team can complete all three applications before each deadline.

Does Funding Navigator write the actual grant narratives?

Yes. Our team of professional grant writers handles the entire application: project narrative, budget development and justification, match strategy, SAM.gov registration support, FEMA GO submission, drawdown setup, and award acceptance. You provide the project priorities — we write, submit, and manage everything else.

How much does the Fire Package cost?

The Fire Package is offered at a special flat-fee package price for a limited number of fire departments. Pricing is significantly less than traditional grant consultants who often charge contingency fees of 5–15% of the award. We do not take contingency fees. Reserve your spot with no payment and our team will share full pricing during the 24-hour callback.

Can a small or volunteer fire department win AFG, SAFER, or FP&S?

Absolutely. AFG and SAFER both reserve significant funding for small and rural departments and volunteer organizations. FEMA explicitly weighs cost-share burden and median household income in scoring. Our writers tailor every narrative to highlight the specific eligibility factors that benefit small and volunteer departments.

AFG, SAFER & FP&S Grant Application Package | Fire Department Grant Writers

Three Federal Fire Grants.
One Application Package.

Full applications to AFG, SAFER, and FP&S, plus a 1-year Funding Navigator subscription. Special pricing — reserve your spot by June 5.

Reservations close in

Reservation window has closed — contact us for availability.

Non-committal reservation 24-hour callback Flat-fee, no contingency

Limited spots.
Closes June 5.

Three federal applications take real work. We only accept a limited number of departments at this package price so our team can do every submission justice.

Reservations close in

Reservation window has closed — contact us for availability.

Non-committal. No payment to reserve your spot.

24-hour callback. Our team will call to begin onboarding.

AFG

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)

Funder: FEMA · Department of Homeland Security · Typical award: $50,000 – $3,000,000+ · Cycle: Annual — typically opens late summer / early fall

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is the flagship federal grant program for fire departments and EMS organizations. AFG funds critically needed equipment, training, vehicles, PPE, SCBA, and firefighter wellness & fitness programs to enhance the safety of firefighters and the public.

Eligible Applicants

Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments; nonaffiliated EMS organizations; State Fire Training Academies.

Typical Funded Projects

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) replacement
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and turnout gear
Fire apparatus (engines, tankers, brush trucks, ambulances)
Mobile and portable radios, dispatch consoles
Firefighter health, wellness, and behavioral health programs
Training for hazardous materials, EMS, and firefighter I/II

SAFER

Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant

Funder: FEMA · Department of Homeland Security · Typical award: $500,000 – $10,000,000+ · Cycle: Annual — typically opens in winter or early spring

The SAFER Grant funds career firefighter hiring and volunteer firefighter recruitment & retention (R&R) so departments can maintain 24-hour staffing and meet NFPA 1710 / 1720 response standards. SAFER pays 100% of salary and benefits for career hires for 3 years, with no local match requirement.

Eligible Applicants

Career, combination, and volunteer fire departments; volunteer firefighter interest organizations (for R&R activities).

Typical Funded Projects

Hire new career firefighters (3-year salary & benefits, 100% federal share)
Rehire firefighters laid off or facing layoff
Retain firefighters facing imminent layoff
Convert part-time / paid-on-call firefighters to full-time
Volunteer recruitment & retention programs and stipends
Marketing, advertising, and outreach for volunteer recruitment

FP&S

Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grant

Funder: FEMA · Department of Homeland Security · Typical award: $10,000 – $1,500,000 · Cycle: Annual — typically opens in winter

The FP&S Grant supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. FP&S has two activity areas: Fire Prevention & Safety (community risk reduction) and Firefighter Safety Research & Development.

Eligible Applicants

Fire departments, national, regional, state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations involved in fire prevention and safety.

Typical Funded Projects

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program implementation
Smoke alarm & carbon monoxide detector installation programs
Public fire safety education campaigns and materials
Code enforcement, inspections, and arson investigation
Wildland-urban interface (WUI) prevention programs
Firefighter health, safety, and behavioral health research

Three Federal Fire Grants.
One Application Package.

Three federal applications.
One subscription. One flat fee.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response

Fire Prevention & Safety + Safety Awards

A turnkey application package — plus a full year of Navigator.

Limited spots.
Closes June 5.

Reserve your spot.

Don't miss this funding window.

FEMA AFG, SAFER, and FP&S — written and submitted by experts.

AFG

SAFER

FP&S

Common questions about the AFG, SAFER & FP&S package.

Three Federal Fire Grants.One Application Package.

Three federal applications.One subscription. One flat fee.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response

Fire Prevention & Safety + Safety Awards

A turnkey application package — plus a full year of Navigator.

Limited spots.Closes June 5.

Reserve your spot.

Don't miss this funding window.

FEMA AFG, SAFER, and FP&S — written and submitted by experts.

AFG

SAFER

FP&S

Common questions about the AFG, SAFER & FP&S package.

What is included in the Funding Navigator Fire Package?

Who is eligible for the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants?

How much do the AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grants award?

When are the FEMA AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant deadlines?

Does Funding Navigator write the actual grant narratives?

How much does the Fire Package cost?

Can a small or volunteer fire department win AFG, SAFER, or FP&S?

Three Federal Fire Grants.
One Application Package.

Three federal applications.
One subscription. One flat fee.

Limited spots.
Closes June 5.