The Nextdoor Foundation has announced $1,500 grants to 100 volunteer fire departments across the United States through our new 2025 Volunteer Fire Department Fund. This $150,000 investment will help these critical community organizations secure essential equipment and resources as we enter fire season.
The Backbone of Our Communities
Volunteer firefighters are truly the unsung heroes of our neighborhoods. They make up 65% of the U.S. fire service and save communities nearly $47 billion annually, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council. Despite their essential role protecting lives and property, most volunteer departments operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on local donations to function.
The challenges facing volunteer fire departments have only grown more complex. Call volume has more than tripled in the last 35 years, largely due to increases in emergency medical calls. Today’s fire departments are expected to provide a wide range of services and multi-hazard response capabilities, creating additional strain on already resource-constrained departments.
Making a Real Impact
These grants will provide immediate relief to departments that need it most. Fire Chief M. Muth of Adell-Whitt Volunteer Fire Department in Parker County, Texas, shared his gratitude: “On behalf of our entire department, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Nextdoor Foundation for this grant. This support is a lifeline for volunteer departments like ours, and every dollar will go directly toward critical equipment and training that ultimately helps us save lives.”
“Volunteer fire stations are the backbone of so many communities,” said Kelsey Grady, President of the Nextdoor Foundation. “Their dedication to protecting lives and property is unmatched, and it is an honor to support them financially.”
Strengthening the Connection
Nextdoor, the essential neighborhood network that inspired the creation of Nextdoor Foundation, will continue working with fire departments through its public agency platform to promote emergency readiness and safety awareness, including real-time emergency alerts to neighbors during wildfires and other natural disasters.
A Call to Action
While we’re proud to support these 100 departments, we know the need is much greater. The Nextdoor Foundation encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to join us in supporting local volunteer departments, ensuring they remain equipped and ready to serve our communities. If you are feeling called to donate, Click here to make a donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the only national organization whose sole purpose is to represent volunteer fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Your investment will support the organization’s legislative efforts, innovative programs, tools and resources, and more.
The Nextdoor Foundation believes that neighbors are the best source of ideas to improve their own communities. Through initiatives like the Volunteer Fire Department Fund, we continue our mission to enable individuals, nonprofits, and organizations to solve challenges and positively impact their neighborhoods.
About The Nextdoor Foundation
The Nextdoor Foundation was founded to uplift and strengthen local communities by supporting people and charitable causes that truly make a difference. Through collaborations with other 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the foundation identifies and supports deserving individuals, small businesses, and neighborhood initiatives.
To connect with your local neighborhood and stay informed about emergency preparedness, visit nextdoor.com.
