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New Jersey American Water Launches 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program

New Jersey American Water has officially opened applications for its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, aimed at providing crucial funding for volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services across its service area. This program, now in its 16th year, represents a steadfast commitment to supporting the dedicated individuals who safeguard their communities.

Program Overview
Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads, and fire aid units operating within the company's service territory. This initiative is particularly significant as it acknowledges the vital role played by these organizations in emergency response and public safety.

Edward J. Scanlon, a Utility Mechanic at New Jersey American Water and a volunteer firefighter, expressed the importance of this program: "As firefighters and EMS professionals, these men and women are on the front lines daily, and it is essential they have the equipment and training necessary to keep our communities safe. Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue strengthening local emergency response capabilities through this grant program."

Application Details

The application period opened on February 4, 2026, and will remain active until April 10, 2026. This extended timeline is designed to help departments align their requests with budgeting strategies and equipment needs. A dedicated committee of New Jersey American Water employees, many of whom also serve as volunteer emergency responders, will conduct a thorough review of the submissions to ensure that funding addresses the real-world needs of these organizations.

Since its inception in 2011, the grant program has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. These grants, capped at $2,500 each, may be utilized for a range of essential resources, including personal protective gear, communication devices, first aid supplies, firefighting equipment, vehicle upkeep, and more.

Additionally, reimbursement is available for specific training courses, covering costs associated with training manuals and educational materials.

How to Apply

Interested organizations can apply through the New Jersey American Water website by navigating to the Community section under News. Departments selected for funding will be notified in early May, with a full list of awardees to be announced later that month.

New Jersey American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, and it stands as the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million individuals.

For more details about the grant program or New Jersey American Water's services, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.