Every program below is funded entirely through donations from people like you. Here's how your generosity turns into direct community support.
Gift Card Assistance Program
When Southern Marin firefighters respond to a serious incident — a house fire, a major accident — they have the discretion to offer on-the-spot support, funded entirely by Foundation donors, for urgent needs like meals, clothing, or temporary lodging.
This assistance is determined by responding personnel based on the incident while on scene, not by application or request. The determination of need is made by Southern Marin Fire Protection District staff, not by contacting the Foundation directly. A general donation supports this program.
Jeff Powers Public Service Pathway Mentorship & Scholarship Opportunity
Honoring a legacy of service by investing in the next generation. APPLICATIONS COMING SOON
Named in memory of Jeff Powers, a beloved member of our fire district who passed away while on duty, this scholarship helps individuals pursue careers in public service — including fire, EMS, and other fields that serve the community.
The program offers:
High School Mentorship — mentorship for Juniors or Seniors interested in pursuing a career in the fire service
Fire Academy Support — tuition and fees for an accredited fire academy
Paramedic Education — tuition and fees for an accredited paramedic program
Fire Technology / Public Service Associate Degree support toward a related degree
Recipients are also offered optional mentorship from an experienced Southern Marin firefighter throughout their program — guidance, encouragement, and a real connection to the field they're entering.
Who can apply: Southern Marin residents or graduates of Tamalpais High School, San Andreas High School, or Tamiscal Independent Study, accepted into or enrolled in an eligible program, and not currently employed by a public service agency.
Youth Activities Sponsorship Program
Helping local kids play, learn, and belong.
We sponsor youth sports teams, scouting groups, academic competitions, and other qualifying community activities across Southern Marin — helping remove financial barriers so more kids can participate, build confidence, and be part of a team.
Eligible activities include: youth sports leagues, scouting, academic competitions, community-benefit events, and similar organized youth activities.
Click the link below to apply
Requests are reviewed by the Foundation Board based on impact, number of youth served, and available funding.
Foundation Charitable Events
Community fundraising that funds every other program.
Throughout the year, the Foundation hosts and supports fundraisers, benefits, tournaments, and community celebrations. These events are where community spirit turns directly into charitable impact — every dollar raised supports our programs, according to our published fund allocation plan. A general donation supports this program
No events are scheduled yet — check back soon, or reach out if you'd like to sponsor or help organize one.
Vegetation Clearance & Home Hardening Assistance
Making homes safer for neighbors who need it most. APPLICATIONS COMING SOON
Wildfire risk doesn't check anyone's bank account. This program provides needs-based financial assistance — up to $5,000 per residence — to qualifying Southern Marin homeowners who can't otherwise afford necessary vegetation clearance, defensible space work, or eligible home-hardening improvements.
Eligible work includes:
Removal of hazardous brush, dead vegetation, and debris
Tree/shrub pruning or removal for defensible space
Home-hardening upgrades — ember-resistant vents, eave/soffit enclosure, ignition-resistant roofing or siding repairs, wildfire-resistant windows and doors
Who can apply: Owner-occupants of a primary residence within the Southern Marin Fire Protection District service area (single-family homes, mobile homes, and similar detached residences). Rental properties, second homes, and investment properties are not eligible. Assistance is based on documented financial need — home value alone does not disqualify you.
Approved funds are paid directly to a qualified contractor on the homeowner's behalf. A residence may receive assistance once every 24 months.
Benevolence Fund
The Benevolence Fund provides compassionate, needs-based financial assistance to current members and retirees of Southern Marin Fire District, and their immediate families, who are facing a cancer diagnosis or another serious medical hardship. Assistance can help cover treatment-related travel, household expenses, caregiving needs, and other burdens that come with a serious diagnosis — so families can focus on health and stability rather than finances.
Eligibility: Current and retired Southern Marin Fire District members (sworn and non-sworn) and their immediate families.
Confidentiality: Every request is handled privately. Diagnosis, medical, and financial details are never shared with the District, coworkers, donors, or the public.
Eligible members, retirees, and family members can access the confidential request process through the Fire District's internal intranet or through contacting the Foundation directly at foundation@smfd.org.