Hero Fund America Fund Announces Open Grant Round for First Responders

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, has announced that its annual grant round that supports the education, training, lifesaving equipment and mental health needs of first responders will be held from May 1 – June 30. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of July.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Program or project will directly support the education, training, lifesaving equipment and mental health needs of first responders
• Funding request must not exceed $2,000
• All grant funds will be used for direct program expenses
• Recipient must be an eligible 501(c)(3) or government entity

Organizations that meet these criteria are encouraged to visit foundationhoc.org/apply to submit an application.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America, Inc., by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs. 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 this project resulted in the formation of Hero Fund America. Roberts was honored with a special citation from Boston EMS for his efforts in response to the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Since 2016, the Hero Fund America Fund has awarded 38 grants totaling more than $32,000 to meet the needs of first responders.

"Thanks to the generous support of our donors and event participants, the HFA Fund provides an annual opportunity for fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. to better serve the increasing needs of their communities,” said Roberts. “Without proper training, education and equipment, our first responders are less able to provide the essential lifesaving services needed in today’s challenging world. We are grateful for our partnership with the Community Foundation, and are hopeful that the grants provided will create healthier, safer outcomes for first responders and civilians alike.”

To learn more about Hero Fund America, visit their website at herofundamerica.org.