Key points at a glance
- We Energies Foundation accepting applications for lifesaving grant program.
- Grants are available to assist local police, fire and EMS agencies.
- This year, $150,000 in grants will be awarded — up from $100,000 last year.
Milwaukee — The We Energies Foundation is building on its support for local first responders working to keep communities safe. This year, the foundation is providing its largest donation yet to help police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies improve public safety through the Rewarding Responders Grant program. The foundation will provide $150,000 in grant funding — up from $100,000 last year.
Emergency response agencies in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can apply for a grant through June 15.
Rewarding efforts to enhance safety in local communities
The Rewarding Responders Grant helps first responders acquire lifesaving equipment or training. Departments use the funding to meet vital equipment needs — from protective clothing and handheld lights to heavy-duty rescue tools — that increase safety for everyone in their communities.
Since the program began in 2020, the We Energies Foundation has awarded $500,000 to help hundreds of individual agencies strengthen public safety.
How to apply for a grant
Emergency response agencies can apply for a 2026 grant on the We Energies Foundation’s website.
Public safety agencies are eligible for a grant if they:
- Operate in the We Energies electric or natural gas service area.
- Did not receive a grant in 2025.
- Complete the online grant application.
- Demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-designed effort to improve public safety. Grants also can be used for unique safety-related projects that are one-time efforts.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available to eligible departments.