Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12 million (program expenses)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly reviews
• Grant Range: $350 - $40,000+ (equipment-based)
• Geographic Focus: All 50 states plus Puerto Rico

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.firehousesubsfoundation.org
• Grant Portal: http://grants.firehousesubs.com/
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Via website contact form
• Location: Jacksonville, FL

Overview

Founded in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded over $105 million in grants to 7,121+ public safety organizations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. With annual revenues of $13.5 million (2024) and total assets of $24.3 million, the foundation focuses on impacting the lifesaving capabilities of first responders and public safety organizations. The foundation maintains a 4-star Charity Navigator rating with 87.35% of expenses going directly to programs, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in grant distribution.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides equipment-based grants with values typically ranging from:

• Basic Equipment: $350-$2,000 (helmets, radios, basic PPE)
• Mid-Range Equipment: $2,000-$12,000 (AEDs, thermal imaging cameras, SCBA units)
• Major Equipment: $25,000-$40,000 (all-terrain vehicles, vehicle extrication tools)
• Applications accepted quarterly through online portal

Priority Areas

• Lifesaving equipment for first responders
• Personal protective equipment (bunker gear, helmets, SCBA)
• Emergency medical equipment (AEDs, trauma kits)
• Rescue and extrication tools
• Communication equipment
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Disaster relief support
• Public safety education programs
• Scholarships for first responders and their families
• Military support programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation focuses exclusively on equipment and tangible resources rather than operational expenses, salaries, or building projects.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by Executive Director Robin Peters and governed by a 12-member independent board that includes fire chiefs, finance executives, and public safety professionals. Board members include Carlos Aviles, Robin Gainey, and Brady Rigdon. The foundation was originally established by Firehouse Subs founders Chris and Robin Sorensen, who were moved to action after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations apply through the online grant portal at http://grants.firehousesubs.com/. The foundation accepts applications on a quarterly basis, reviewing and awarding grants four times per year.

Decision Timeline

Grants are reviewed and awarded quarterly, though specific processing timeframes from application submission to notification are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

While the foundation has supported over 7,121 organizations with $105 million in grants since 2005, specific application success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly detailed, though the foundation's track record suggests organizations can receive multiple grants over time.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and mission, successful applications likely:

• Clearly demonstrate how equipment will directly impact lifesaving capabilities
• Specify exact equipment needs with detailed cost breakdowns
• Show how the equipment addresses critical gaps in current capabilities
• Align with the foundation's focus on immediate, tangible impact on public safety
• Come from organizations serving communities with demonstrated need
• Include clear metrics for how the equipment will improve response capabilities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus exclusively on equipment and tangible resource requests rather than operational funding
• Emphasize direct lifesaving impact and improved response capabilities
• Provide specific equipment specifications and vendor quotes
• Highlight gaps in current equipment that create safety risks
• Demonstrate community need and potential lives impacted
• Applications are competitive with quarterly review cycles
• The foundation values efficiency - 87% of funds go directly to programs

References

• Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Official Website: https://www.firehousesubsfoundation.org (Accessed January 2025)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/203588745 (Accessed January 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/203588745 (Accessed January 2025)
• CauseIQ Organization Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/firehouse-subs-public-safety-foundation-inc,203588745/ (Accessed January 2025)
• Foundation Grant Portal: http://grants.firehousesubs.com/ (Accessed January 2025)