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Aug 8, 2025
Case Study
Building the future of Response Takes Resources. Here’s How to Find Them.
Across the country, public safety teams are using drones to transform emergency response from wildland fire suppression to search and rescue. But building or expanding a UAS program takes more than innovation and hard work. It takes funding.
We’ve had countless conversations with fire departments, emergency managers, and SAR teams looking to scale their operations but unsure where to begin when it comes to securing support. That’s why we built this guide: to help you navigate the most relevant grants, funding sources, and strategic tips for getting your drone program off the ground.
Whether you're just launching or looking to grow, here are the top grants and support programs available across the U.S., broken down by mission.
Where to Start: 5 Steps to Secure Funding
Define Your Mission: Is your priority fire mapping, SAR, hazmat, disaster response? Clarify your use case to target the right grants.
Engage Your State EMA: Many federal grants are managed at the state level. Your local Emergency Management Agency is key.
Check FEMA GO Often: This portal houses AFG, SAFER, FP&S, and other major grants.
Apply Early. Plan Ahead: Most funding cycles are annual. Don’t wait until peak season.
Lean on Your Partners: We’re here to help you frame your case and demonstrate how Nova supports your mission.
Fire Rescue
Use Cases: Thermal imaging, structure fire overwatch, damage assessment, situational awareness
Top Grants:
AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant)
Supports: Equipment, training, program expansion
Eligibility: Fire departments, EMS, state/local agencies
SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response)
Supports: Staffing + tools like UAS that improve safety
Eligibility: Fire departments, volunteer fire organizations
Nova Tip: Focus your grant application around reducing risk and improving incident efficiency. Use stats when possible: faster containment, fewer exposure hours, improved safety.
Wildland Fire
Use Cases: Fire perimeter mapping, hotspot detection, recon in rugged terrain
Top Grants:
State Fire Assistance (SFA)
Supports: Wildfire mitigation and detection tools, including UAS
Eligibility: State forestry agencies
Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)
Supports: Rural/volunteer departments adopting drone tech
Eligibility: Volunteer fire departments
Nova Tip: Coordinate with your state forestry office or regional fire teams. Collaborative projects often earn higher scores.
Law Enforcement
Use Cases: Tactical ops, search & rescue, accident reconstruction, crowd monitoring
Top Grants:
Edward Byrne Memorial JAG
Supports: Broad law enforcement tech, including drones
Eligibility: State and local law enforcement
COPS Technology & Equipment Grant
Supports: Innovation and modernization for policing tools
Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies
Nova Tip: Emphasize transparency and accountability. Departments with clear public policy and community engagement stand out.
Emergency Response
Use Cases: Disaster mapping, hazmat scenes, search and rescue, critical intel during storms
Top Grants:
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
Supports: Emergency preparedness programs using UAS
Eligibility: State/local/tribal/territorial governments
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Supports: Pre/post-disaster documentation and planning
Eligibility: Government and nonprofit organizations
Nova Tip: Align drone usage with ICS integration, mutual aid, and GIS-based mapping. Make drones part of your essential response toolkit.
Natural Resource & Environmental Management
Use Cases: Vegetation surveys, shoreline mapping, climate resilience, erosion tracking
Top Grants:
EPA Environmental Justice Grants
Supports: Monitoring in underserved areas
Eligibility: Nonprofits, local governments, tribal organizations
NOAA Coastal Resilience Grants
Supports: Shoreline and ecosystem change mapping
Eligibility: Government agencies, nonprofits, universities
Nova Tip: Add a data-sharing element to your proposal. Secure cross-agency collaboration boosts credibility and community impact.
Guidance for a Winning Grant Strategy
Plan Ahead: Annual cycles mean you need lead time to prepare a strong case.
Be Specific: Link UAS use directly to operational goals (response time, resource allocation, public safety).
Include Training: Most grants cover more than hardware: Factor in certification, software, and SOP development.
Partner Up: Collaborative or regional projects often get preference.
Funding Isn’t Easy. But It’s Possible.
We know the hurdles public safety teams face trying to implement new technology. Have questions about a specific program? Need help framing your proposal? We’re here.
Disclaimer
The funding information provided in this guide has been gathered through publicly available research from reputable sources on the web. While we have taken care to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content at the time of publication, grant programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes may change without notice.
We strongly encourage you to conduct your own research, verify all details directly with the funding agency, and confirm current deadlines and criteria before applying. This guide is intended as a general resource and does not guarantee funding approval.