UTICA, NY – 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.
Volunteer fire departments, volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) agencies, and paid law
enforcement agencies with 25 or less employees located in the United States are invited to apply for up
to $1,500 in funding from June 1 – June 30.
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 fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 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 the Community
Foundation’s Director of Community Engagement Olivia Paul, at opaul@foundationhoc.org or 315-731-
3736. To learn more about Hero Fund America, visit herofundamerica.org.
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