Firepenny Funds Application Guide: How Volunteer Fire Departments Get $5,000 for Equipment
Video Source:
YouTube – Firepenny Funds Walkthrough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVAjY_ppDFc
Firepenny Funds is a community-driven firefighter funding program that provides $5,000 in store credit to volunteer and majority-volunteer fire departments to purchase essential equipment without traditional grant paperwork.
What This Video Covers
This Firepenny Funds walkthrough explains how volunteer and majority-volunteer fire departments can apply for $5,000 in firefighter equipment funding through Firepenny.
In this video, Firepenny Head of Marketing Sara Gerdes walks through:
What Firepenny Funds is and how it works
Who qualifies for Firepenny Funds
What the $5,000 store credit can be used for
The three Firepenny Challenges required to apply
How to access the Firepenny Funds download hub
Submission deadlines and selection timeline
What Firepenny looks for when reviewing applications
This program is not a government grant, does not require a purchase, and is designed to help stations access gear without complicated approval processes.
00:00How Do Fire Departments Get $5,000 Through Firepenny Funds?
Sara explains what Firepenny Funds is, who this walkthrough is for, and how the program helps stations stretch limited budgets while prioritizing safety.
00:38How Do You Access the Firepenny Funds Page and Unlock the Application Hub?
Walkthrough of the Firepenny homepage banner, email unlock step, and the Firepenny Funds hub where stations find forms, downloads, and submission details.
01:19Who Qualifies for Firepenny Funds?
Eligibility guidance for volunteer and majority-volunteer stations, including what to do if your department is unsure and needs clarification.
- Intended for stations that need funding support
- Encouragement to reach out if unsure
01:50Is Firepenny Funds a Grant or Store Credit?
Firepenny Funds is not a traditional grant. The $5,000 is delivered as store credit (think “large gift card”) to reduce paperwork and make purchasing easier.
02:22Why Volunteer Fire Departments Matter and Why This Program Exists
Context on volunteer fire service in the U.S. and why Firepenny wants to help stations share their stories and highlight real operational realities.
02:57What Are the Firepenny Funds Application Requirements?
Overview of what stations must submit and how the application is designed to stay simple and station-led.
- One entry per station (not per individual)
- Station contact (chief / purchasing officer) manages store credit
03:32What Are the Three Firepenny Challenges?
Firepenny explains the three required challenges and why the paperwork is minimal compared to traditional grant processes.
- 1 ten-minute video
- 1 Instagram reel
- 1 station recipe submission
04:09Do You Need to Purchase Anything to Apply?
No purchase is required. Firepenny emphasizes that new and longtime customers are treated the same, and the focus is on supporting a station in need.
05:16Where Is the Download Section and What Forms Do You Need?
Tour of the download hub: outlines, application form, official rules PDF, video guidelines, recipe guidelines, release forms, and submission forms.
05:50What Is Penny the Firefighter and Why Is She Required?
Penny the Firefighter is a printable cutout mascot (Flat Stanley-style) that must appear in your station’s Instagram reel as part of the submission requirements.
06:22How to Film the Instagram Reel (Without Overthinking Production)
Guidance for creating a fun, authentic reel featuring Penny—no studio production required. Focus on creativity and real station life.
07:31How to Submit a Station Recipe and Take Better Food Photos
Explanation of recipe submission expectations and a simple food photography guide to help stations submit something they feel proud of.
08:58What Are the Firepenny Funds Deadlines and Timeline?
Key dates for this year’s program, including submission deadline and estimated winner announcement window.
- Submission deadline: June 1
- Winner announcement target: around July 1
10:13Why Firepenny Created Firepenny Funds
Firepenny’s mission for supporting volunteer stations, why sharing helps the fund grow year over year, and how $5,000 can impact a limited budget.
11:18What Kind of Stories Should Stations Share?
Ideas for submissions: firefighter skills, knots, station tours, community events, rigs, ride-alongs, and everyday moments that show who your station is.
13:05How to Contact Firepenny Funds Support
Where to send submissions and how to get help if your station has questions.
- Questions: sarah@firepenny.com
- Submission details: funds@firepenny.com
- Phone: Call Firepenny for real-human support
