Denis Leary | Leary Foundation | Leary Firefighters
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What is the mission of the Leary Firefighters Foundation?
The mission of the Leary Firefighters Foundation, is to provide funding and resources for Fire Departments to obtain the best available equipment, training and technology. The Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of Denis’cousin, a childhood friend, and four other firefighters. The Leary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Code.
Isn't my Fire Department supported by tax revenue? Why do they need private funding?
There never seems to be enough money in any municipal budget to cover more than the basic programs and services, and the Fire Department is no exception. Traditionally, our firefighters have answered the call with an old fashioned "can-do" attitude and a limited reliance on advanced technology and equipment. All Fire Departments face an annual struggle to maintain salary, pension and welfare levels while fighting to keep fire houses open and operational. New equipment and advanced training are the first things to be cut during any budget debate. The realities of emergency response in the post-9/11 world demand that Fire Departments across the country initiate a new era of first-responder training. The Leary Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to filling the gap between the needs of Fire Departments to acquire the tools necessary to maintain the highest level of public safety and the limits of government funding.
How much money has the Leary Foundation distributed?
Since 2000, The Leary Foundation has raised over $8 million for uniformed firefighters in New York, Massachusetts and New Orleans. Projects in theses states include:
- A Burn Tower and Training Center, as well as a SCBA Response Vehicle for the Worcester Fire Department;
- A Tactical Command Unit and Fire Rescue Boat for the Boston Fire Department; and
- A Flashover Simulator and Mobile Command Center for the New York City Fire Department.
In an effort to broaden the impact of its grant making and to provide support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, The Leary Foundation recently established the Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, which will make grants to professional Fire Departments in the Gulf Coast region. Named in honor of Denis Leary’s cousin, Jeremiah Lucey, who perished in a catastrophic fire in 1999, the Lucey Grant Program will provide financial support for the training and equipment needs of firefighters in this devastated region, as well as the Foundation’s current geographic funding areas of New York and Massachusetts.
How can I apply for funding from the Leary Firefighters Foundation?
Grant seekers are invited to review Foundation guidelines on this website and if appropriate, send a letter of inquiry (not to exceed two pages) which includes the following information:
- description of the organization seeking support
- overview of project to be funded and grant amount requested
- problem/challenges project will address
- timeframe for implementation of project
- summary of other sources being approached for support of project
Letters of inquiry should be sent in writing to: Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant Program, 594 Broadway, Suite 409, New York, NY 10012 or via email to: info@learyfirefighters.org.
What other sources of support are available to firefighters?
Fire departments having questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program can reach the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274-0960, or via email at usfagrants@fema.gov. The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is to award one-year grants directly to fire departments to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs and fire prevention and safety programs.
How can I make a donation?
Donations are gratefully accepted by the Leary Foundation. Please click here.
Can I volunteer at the Leary Firefighters Foundation?
The Foundation is always in need of volunteers to assist with day-to-day administrative tasks in our New York office. Most volunteer work consists of answering phones, faxing, copying, filing, preparing mailings and assisting with other ongoing projects. We also rely heavily on volunteers to staff our events in New York and Boston throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering your time please click here to download a volunteer application.
I'd like to organize a fundraiser to benefit the Leary Firefighters Foundation. How should I proceed? We are grateful for the support of people throughout the country who raise money for us via fundraisers and events. There are several legal requirements that you must meet before approaching The Foundation with a fundraising idea. We advise you to consult your attorney, contact your state's Attorney General's office, or contact the New York Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY, 10271 or visit their website. Once you have completed the necessary legal steps, please write a detailed proposal outlining your fundraising idea and send it to The Foundation office or email it to us at info@learyfirefightersfoundation.org. The Foundation staff will review and respond to all proposals. Unfortunately, because we have a small staff, we are unable to provide logistical or personnel support for any third party fundraising events.
How can I get in touch with Denis Leary?
The staff of the Leary Firefighters Foundation cannot respond to fan mail or requests for personal appearances. Correspondence addressed to Denis Leary at The Foundation's address will be reviewed by The Foundation staff and, if appropriate, passed on to Denis' office.
Can Denis Leary appear at my event?
The Foundation will forward written requests to Denis' office, but cannot guarantee either that Denis will be available or that you will receive a response from The Foundation.