About the Raleigh Fire Foundation
The Raleigh Fire Foundation was created to provide organized charitable support for the people, programs, and initiatives connected to the Raleigh Fire Department. The Foundation gives community members, businesses, and supporters a meaningful way to invest in the department beyond what is available through traditional public funding.
Our Mission
The Raleigh Fire Foundation exists to strengthen the Raleigh Fire Department by inspiring community investment and providing charitable support for equipment, training, recruitment, firefighter wellness and morale, community outreach, fire and life safety education, and other initiatives that enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit the City of Raleigh.
Our Vision
We envision a strong and connected fire service community where Raleigh Fire Department members and their families feel supported, valuable programs have opportunities to grow, and partnerships help strengthen the department’s service to Raleigh.
Who We Serve
The Raleigh Fire Foundation serves Raleigh Fire Department members, their families, retirees, and the broader Raleigh community by supporting programs, events, training, outreach, recognition, and other initiatives that strengthen the department and the people behind it.
Our Relationship with the Raleigh Fire Department
The Raleigh Fire Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization established to support the Raleigh Fire Department and its members. The Foundation is not a department, division, or fundraising account of the City of Raleigh.
The Foundation works in partnership with Raleigh Fire Department leadership and other approved partners to identify needs, coordinate support, and ensure Foundation activities complement the department’s mission and priorities.
Support from the Foundation does not replace funding provided by the City of Raleigh. Instead, it helps expand opportunities, address needs that may fall outside traditional municipal funding, and provide additional support for department-related programs and initiatives.
What We Hope to Support
The Foundation may provide charitable support for:
Member and family assistance
Training and professional development
Employee recognition and morale
Youth and community outreach
Fire and life-safety education
Department events and athletic programs
Historical preservation and remembrance
Scholarships and educational opportunities
Special projects and department-related initiatives
Other needs approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors
Programs and funding priorities will be developed and approved by the Board based on available resources, identified needs, and the Foundation’s charitable purpose.
Our Founding and Nonprofit Status
The Raleigh Fire Foundation was founded in July 2026 by a group of Raleigh Fire Department members and supporters who recognized the need for a dedicated charitable organization serving the department community.
The Foundation is organized as a North Carolina nonprofit corporation and is [awaiting / recognized as] tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Until federal tax-exempt status is confirmed, all statements regarding the tax deductibility of donations will reflect the Foundation’s current legal status.
Financial Responsibility and Transparency
The Raleigh Fire Foundation is committed to responsible stewardship, accurate financial reporting, and transparency with its donors, partners, and the community.
Foundation funds will be managed according to approved policies, board oversight, applicable laws, and recognized nonprofit practices. Donations will be used to advance the Foundation’s charitable mission and any donor restrictions accepted by the organization.
As the Foundation grows, organizational documents, annual reports, financial summaries, and required public filings will be made available in accordance with applicable law and Foundation policy.
Independent Organization Statement
The Raleigh Fire Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization supporting Raleigh Fire Department members, families, programs, and department-related initiatives. It is not a department, agency, or official fundraising account of the City of Raleigh. References to the Raleigh Fire Department are used to describe the community the Foundation supports and do not imply that the City of Raleigh guarantees, manages, or is financially responsible for the Foundation’s activities.