The Town is committed to pursuing grants and alternative funding opportunities to support a wide range of projects, acquire specialized equipment, and enhance training efforts. These resources allow the Town to extend beyond the limitations of its operational budget and address the evolving needs of a growing community. To promote transparency and provide clear, up-to-date information, this grant funding page is reset annually on July 1. We are grateful to the funding agencies that continue to recognize and invest in the future of the Town.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities.
The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the NFPA (NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720).
The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.
The Fire/Rescue Department proposes the acquisition and deployment of a modern, customized Fire Safety Education Trailer to enhance community fire prevention efforts through year-round, hands-on outreach. This mobile unit will serve as an interactive learning environment equipped with tailored training modules, multimedia tools, and safety simulators designed to educate citizens of all ages on critical fire safety topics. Replacing the borrowed trailer currently in use, this upgraded unit will significantly expand the department’s capacity to deliver engaging, accessible, and impactful fire prevention programming across Leland and surrounding areas.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant supports our community’s commitment to improving roadway safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries for all users. Building on previously adopted safety action plans and data-driven strategies, this grant application focuses on implementing targeted infrastructure and programmatic improvements that create safer, more accessible streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists alike.
Through this application, the Town has prioritized projects that address high-risk corridors and intersections, particularly in areas identified through crash data analysis and community input. Proposed improvements include enhanced pedestrian crossings. These efforts aim to reduce vehicle speeds, increase driver awareness, and create more predictable and protected travel environments. Emphasis has been placed on serving vulnerable populations and historically underserved areas where safety risks are greatest.
If awarded, this funding will allow us to move from planning to implementation. The SS4A program represents a critical step toward achieving a long-term vision of zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries within our community.
Through its New Initiative Grant, the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCPRA) stimulates creative and impactful projects in local North Carolina communities. By awarding seed funding, this program helps advance the association's core mission of promoting equitable access to outdoor spaces, fostering health and wellness through engaging activities, and supporting local conservation efforts. The initiative ultimately enhances community well-being by providing new resources and opportunities for residents.
The Department of Interior (DOI) Slip-On Tanker is a fire suppression unit designed to enhance rapid response capabilities for wildland, brush, and interface firefighting. Mounted onto a standard pickup truck or flatbed vehicle, the slip-on system transforms existing fleet assets into fully equipped firefighting units, maximizing operational flexibility without the need for a dedicated apparatus.
Equipped with an onboard water tank, high-pressure pump, hose reel, and essential firefighting tools, the DOI Slip-On Tanker enables responders to quickly access remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional fire engines may be limited. Its compact design supports swift deployment, improved maneuverability, and efficient initial attack operations.
Funding for a DOI Slip-On Tanker will strengthen the Town of Leland's response capacity by expanding our ability to respond to wildfire incidents, support mutual aid efforts, and enhance on-scene operational effectiveness. This equipment is particularly valuable in rural and underserved areas, where resource limitations and terrain challenges require adaptable, high-impact solutions.
The State of North Carolina and North Carolina Amateur Sports have established an annual youth sports grant fund from a percentage of the sports wagering tax revenues. Youth sports grants are provided annually to local government agencies, including local school administrative units and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in all 100 North Carolina counties. These grants may be used for youth sports equipment, or facility upgrades and improvements that primarily benefit youth sports. If awarded, the Town of Leland will use funds for facility upgrades.