Hero Fund America Fund Announces Annual Grant Round for First Responders - Organizations Across the United States Invited to Apply for Funding

UTICA — Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies. Organizations in New York and other states are encouraged to apply. 

Organizations may apply for up to $1,500 in funding from Sunday, June 1, 2025, through Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, an organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, or a government entity

• The program or project will directly support the education, training, lifesaving equipment and mental health needs of first responders

• All grant funds will be used for direct program expenses

• Each organization may submit only one request

For complete eligibility information and to apply, visit foundationhoc.org/grants. Grant recipients will be notified in July. All applicants will be notified regardless of whether they receive funding.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America. 

Since 2016, the Hero Fund America Fund has awarded 89 grants totaling more than $97,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”

For more information or to inquire about a program or project’s eligibility, please contact Olivia Paul, opaul@foundationhoc.org, 315-731-3736.  To learn more about Hero Fund America, visit herofundamerica.org.