RWA Announces 2025 Emergency Responder Grant Program, East Haven Was 2024 Grant Recipient

NEW HAVEN, CT — After the successful launch of its Emergency Responder Grant Program last year, the Regional Water Authority is once again inviting local fire departments and emergency service agencies to apply for support.

The program offers grants of up to $2,000 a year to organizations that provide volunteer and professional emergency services within the RWA’s territory.

"Like high-quality, reliable water service, emergency protection is part of the critical community infrastructure that supports economic opportunity and quality of life in our region," Sunder (Sunny) Lakshminarayanan, the RWA’s interim president and CEO, said. "The courageous men and women who serve in our local fire departments and emergency response agencies are always there when we need them. We are thankful for this opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude and support."

In 2024, the RWA distributed grants totaling more than $15,000 to eight local fire and emergency agencies, helping them pay for protective gear, thermal imaging equipment, training materials and other needs. Recipients included fire and ambulance companies in East Haven, Beacon Falls, Derby, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Prospect and West Haven.

The 2025 Emergency Responder Grants are available to fire departments and emergency service organizations that operate within the RWA’s service territory. Individuals are not eligible. The maximum available grant is $2,000, which can be combined with other funding sources to supplement larger funding needs.

Eligible fire and emergency service organizations can apply using the form on the RWA’s website. Grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 15, and winners will be announced on Oct. 28, National First Responders Day.