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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). We understand that you may have inquiries, and we have compiled the most commonly asked questions and provided answers below. If you don’t find the answer to your specific question, please reach out to us using our online form, and we will promptly respond. We appreciate your interest in the NFFF.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

What is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation?

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.
» Read More: About Us and Our Mission

Is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation a government funded organization?

No, while the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to honor all firefighters who die in the line of duty, the only financial support received from the U.S. Government are grant funds which are for specific programs, such as the Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, and must be applied for annually. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.
» Read More: About How to Support the Foundation

How can I contact the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation?

To reach us by phone, please call Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 301-447-1365. Please send all other written correspondence to PO Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or fax us at 301-447-1645.

You may also wish to contact the staff in our Crofton office. To reach us by phone call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 410-721-6212. Please send all written correspondence for the Crofton office to 2130 Priest Bridge Dr., Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114 or fax us at 410-721-6213.

You can also contact us through the website. If you are looking for a specific staff member or consultant please visit the staff section of our website.

How can I visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Headquarters and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial?

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation headquarters is located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Foundation’s offices are located in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel which sits adjacent to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. For more information on visiting our offices, for access restrictions to campus, hours, local lodging and directions, please see our memorial park section.
» Read More: About the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park

Donating to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

How do I donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation?

You can donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation online or by mail. Please click here to donate online. If you’d like to donate by mail, please make checks payable to “National Fallen Firefighters Foundation” and send them to:

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
P.O. Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Please indicate if you would like us to direct your gift to a specific program.

Can I donate to the Foundation through my employer’s workplace giving program?

Federal, military, and postal service employees can donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through Combined Federal Campaign contributions. The Foundation’s agency number is 10292. State and local government employees can write in the Foundation as their agency of choice.

We appreciate your continued support to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and their families.

We encourage our private sector friends to ask your companies to add the Foundation to the list of agencies eligible for your giving campaigns.

Does the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so on their behalf?

No, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so.

What is the NFFF’s Federal Tax Identification (EIN) Number?

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax Identification (EIN) Number is 52-1832634.

Family Resources

Do you have any brochures or resources to help cope with losing a loved one or colleague?

Yes, we have a variety of resource material available free of charge to help you cope with the loss of a loved one or friend. You can request materials through our Grief Publications program or borrow a book through our Lending Library. You may also call the Foundation offices at 301-447-1365 to request a copy of any of the resources listed.

Fire Service Resources

What types of fire department training does the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation offer?

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation offers a variety of training for the fire service including courses on: community risk reduction, firefighter behavioral health, firefighter LODD prevention, and LODD preparedness.
» Read More: About Fire Service Training Opportunities

Honoring Our Fallen Firefighters

What is the protocol for lowering the U.S. Flag?

For information about U.S. flag etiquette please visit www.usa-flag-site.org.

Information on the use of flags in funeral activities for both line-of-duty and non-line-of-duty deaths can be found in the Chaplain’s Manual created for the Foundation by the Federation of Fire Chaplains.

Please remember to recognize the brave men and women who died protecting their communities by lowering your flag during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Scholarships

Do I qualify for a scholarship?

Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial qualify for the scholarship program. Children and stepchildren must be under age 30 and have been under age 22 at the time of the firefighter’s death.

When are scholarship applications available and when are they due?

Scholarship applications are mailed each January. A completed application package must be postmarked by April 1st to be considered for a scholarship.

When are scholarship recipients notified and when will I get my scholarship check?

Scholarship recipients are notified in the beginning of July. Scholarship checks are also mailed directly to the college or institution in July.
» Read More: About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Scholarship Program

Walk of Honor® Bricks

Can bricks be ordered online?

Yes, click here to order your brick online. If you would like to order a brick offline please download the brick order form.

What happens when a brick order is placed?

In approximately three weeks the purchaser will receive a letter and certificate in the mail. When the brick is placed, its location will be available on our website.

I purchased a brick on the Walk of Honor®, how long will it take before it is placed into the Walk?

Due to labor shortages and additional COVID-19 related delays the National Fallen firefighters Foundation has encountered delays in ordering and shipping of engraved bricks. We are working closely with our vendors to ensure your ordered brick is delivered as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and we will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.

Foundation Store

Where is the Foundation store located?

The NFFF is located in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel. You may also purchase items through our online store to support the work of the Foundation. A store to purchase keepsakes is set up at both the family hotel and on campus during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.