July 30, 2026 Application Deadline
About Camp I Am Me Since 1989, Camp I Am Me has been dedicated to empowering burn survivors while preventing burn-related injuries and fire tragedies before they occur. Founded and supported by the Illinois fire service, Camp I Am Me serves as a statewide resource for burn survivor support, fire safety and burn prevention education, and collaboration with fire departments to reduce preventable fires, injuries and loss of life.
This grant program directly reflects Camp I Am Me’s commitment to prevention by investing in local, department-led initiatives that address community-specific fire and burn risks throughout Illinois.
Prevention Matters Grant This program is designed to support Illinois fire departments in implementing or expanding effective fire safety and burn prevention programs that reduce the incidence and severity of fires and burn-related injuries within their communities.
Priority will be given to programs or projects that:
- Address identified local risk factors or data-driven needs
- Serve vulnerable or high-risk populations
- Demonstrate clear, measurable prevention outcomes
- Show sustainability beyond the grant period
General Guidelines This program is open to all Illinois fire departments (career, combination, and volunteer). Funds may be used for fire safety and burn prevention initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation programs
- Fire safety trailer purchase or rehabilitation
- Live fire or virtual safety simulators
- Youth fire setter intervention programs
- Anti-scald devices or hot water safety initiatives
- Home oxygen therapy fire safety programs
- School-based fire safety education
- Targeted public education campaigns (mail, radio, TV, social media)
- Printed or digital educational materials
Grant requests must be no less than $1,000 and not exceed $5,000, while funds may be used in conjunction with other funding sources to support larger programs/projects. Approximately 4-6 grants will be awarded this cycle.
Fire departments may re-apply annually, provided all prior grant funds were fully expended and the previous project was completed.
Timetable
- Application Period – February 1-July 30, 2026
- Review Period – August 1-August 31, 2026
- Acceptance Period – September 1-September 15, 2026
- Award Presentation – October 8, 2026
Award Recognition & Reporting Expectations Grant recipients will be recognized at Camp I Am Me’s Annual Fire Prevention Week Luncheon on Thursday, October 8, 2026 in Woodridge, Illinois. Awarded departments are requested to have a representative present to accept the award.
Funds must be utilized within 6 months of receipt for the approved project and upon completion, departments will be required to submit photos and/or media from the program or project. Camp I Am Me will highlight funded projects through its communications to showcase best practices and successful prevention efforts statewide.
Review grant application questions here.
It is suggested that you complete the answers to the questions on a separate document and then cut & paste into the application.