Scholarships, Donations and Philanthropy

Scholarships

UFA Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for dependent children of active, retired or deceased Firefighters, Fire Marshals, Marine Wipers, Marine Engineers & Pilots who are full-time students up to and including age 23 for UNDERGRADUATE education. Applicants must currently be enrolled in college, trade or vocational school.

Active members and their spouses are also eligible. Dependent children, spouses of LOD deceased UFA members, and dependent children of non-LOD deceased UFA members are eligible to receive scholarships for undergraduate education but must still fill out an application and provide proof of enrollment.

The application period runs from August 1 - October 1 each year.

*The 2026 application period is open from August 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026. Applications can be found at the corresponding links below. 

Application for Dependents of Active / Deceased Members
Application for Dependents of Retired Members
Open Scholarships
BC Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship
Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship

The Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship application is now available.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be the child of an active, retired, or deceased FDNY firefighter.

The firefighter (not the student) must be an active, retired, or deceased member who played hockey on a town team, high school team, firehouse team, FDNY hockey team, or league hockey team.

Scholarship funds may be used for college or university, nonpublic high school, trade school, or private school education.

Application Deadline

Please complete the application before August 2026.

Submission Information

Applications should be mailed to:

B.C. Matthew Ryan Memorial Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 1096
Massapequa, NY 11758

Download Application

Honoring the legacy of Matthew Ryan through educational opportunity.

FDNY Hispanic Society Dinner Dance Scholarship 2026
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FDNY Hispanic Society Dinner Dance Scholarship 2026

The FDNY Hispanic Society is accepting applications for its 2026 Dinner Dance Scholarship. Eligible students may apply for a $1,500 scholarship award.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be of Hispanic heritage.
  • Must be a current member of the FDNY Hispanic Society or have a family member who has been a member for a minimum of two (2) years.
  • High school applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  • Undergraduate, trade school, and graduate student applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Essay Requirement

Applicants must submit an essay of approximately 500 words addressing the following:

  1. Discuss how your academic pursuits align with your personal and professional growth.
  2. Explain how specific courses, projects, or experiences have enriched your understanding and commitment to your community.
  3. Highlight any personal interests or passions connected to your studies.

Award Information

  • Scholarship Award: $1,500
  • Dinner Dance Date: October 2, 2026

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by September 12, 2026.

How to Apply

For an application and additional information, contact FDNY Unit Head of the Registrar's Office, Lizzette Perez-Cruz, via email at Lizette.Perez@fdny.nyc.gov.

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Staff Sgt. Chris Engeldrum Annual Scholarship Program
Staff Sgt. Chris Engeldrum Annual Scholarship Program

Staff Sgt. Chris Engeldrum Annual Scholarship Program

The Staff Sgt. Chris Engeldrum FDNY VFW Post 12033 is currently accepting applications for its Annual Scholarship Program.

The program was established in 2018 in honor of Staff Sgt. Chris Engeldrum, L-61, who was killed in action on November 29, 2004, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Award Information

Each year, the program awards a scholarship to one (1) male and one (1) female applicant in honor of Chris’s sacrifice.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be 2026 high school graduates entering college for the Fall 2026 semester.
  • Applicants must be the biological or adopted child or grandchild of an active or retired FDNY member who is a military veteran or is currently serving in the Guard or Reserves of the United States Armed Forces.

Deadline

Completed applications must be received no later than September 1, 2026.

How to Apply

A complete list of scholarship requirements and a printable application are available on the FDNY VFW Post 12033 website.

View Scholarship Requirements and Application

Please mail completed applications to:

FDNY VFW Post 12033
Attention: Scholarship Committee
527 Hudson St., #20104
New York, NY 10014

Contact Information

Questions regarding the scholarship program may be emailed to FDNYVFWComms@gmail.com.

A-Team Scholarship

A-Team Scholarship

A-Team Scholarship

The family and friends of Lt. Joseph Cavalieri, Firefighter Christopher Bopp and Firefighter James Bohan have established the A-Team Scholarship in their memory.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship competition is open to any child of an active or retired UFA or UFOA member who will enter their freshman year at a private high school in September 2026.

The recipient must maintain a C or better average throughout high school.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an essay describing why they want to attend their chosen private high school.

The submission must also include the parent’s:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Work unit

Award

The scholarship will award the recipient $500 each year throughout high school, provided the student maintains a C or better average.

Deadline

Essays must be postmarked by November 1, 2026.

How to Apply

Mail the essay and required information to:

FF Shawn Butrico, L-170
6910 Avenue U, Apt. 4L
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Attn: A-Team Scholarship FDNY

Contact Information

For questions, email sbutrico94@gmail.com or call 347-840-3147.

Continuing Education Opportunities
FDNY Foundation Scholarships
CUNY Tuition Waiver Program
CUNY Tuition Waiver Program Extended Through July 1, 2028

CUNY Tuition Waiver Program

In collaboration with the Bureau of Training and the FDNY Foundation, a proud sponsor of continuing education, we are pleased to announce that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation extending the CUNY tuition waiver program for eligible FDNY Firefighters and Fire Officers through July 1, 2028.

Program Information

The program provides eligible members with a tuition waiver for one CUNY course.

Additional Information

Members interested in taking advantage of this educational benefit should refer to New York State Senate Bill 2025-S10524.

View Senate Bill 2025-S10524

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Lizette Perez-Cruz, Unit Head of the Registrar’s Office/Academic Advisor, at Registrarunit@fdny.nyc.gov.

Monroe University Virtual Information Sessions

Monroe University Virtual Information Sessions

In collaboration with the FDNY Bureau of Training and the FDNY Foundation, Monroe University is offering virtual information sessions for all full-time, part-time and retired FDNY employees.

Members can learn about available tuition reductions offered as an employee benefit, as well as Monroe University’s on-campus, online and virtual course options.

Advance registration is required. Select a session below to register:

For additional information, contact Michele Mumma, Vice President of Admissions Operations, at michelemumma@monroe.edu, or Lizzette Perez-Cruz, Unit Head of the FDNY Registrar’s Office, at RegistrarUnit@fdny.nyc.gov.

Empire State University Free Webinars
Empire State University Continuing Education Webinars

Empire State University Continuing Education Webinars

In collaboration with the Bureau of Training and the FDNY Foundation, a proud sponsor of continuing education, Empire State University is offering a series of live webinars to all FDNY employees at no cost. Members are encouraged to register in advance.

Upcoming Webinars

Transferable Skills
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
1:00–1:40 PM

Register Here

Communication that Builds Careers
Monday, August 24, 2026
1:00–1:40 PM

Register Here

Stress & Destress Management
Monday, September 14, 2026
11:00–11:40 AM

Register Here

Translating First Responders’ Experience into Lifelong Success
Friday, September 18, 2026
1:00–1:40 PM

Register Here

Retirement & Career Transitions
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
1:00–1:40 PM

Register Here

Prior Learning Evaluation (PLE) of First Responders’ Credits & Experience
Monday, October 26, 2026
11:00–11:40 AM

Register Here

Additional Information

For additional information, contact Lizzette Perez-Cruz, Unit Head of the Registrar’s Office/Academic Advisor, at Registrarunit@fdny.nyc.gov.

FDNY SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

FDNY Members and their families are eligible for scholarships and continuing education opportunities. See the Department's Course Catalog below for information on all the available opportunities.

FDNY Bureau of Training Scholarship and Course Catalog 2026
UFA SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

The UFA also has a scholarship resource manual broken down into sections as listed below. A full version of the UFA Scholarship Manual Guide is also available.

Information (eligibility, contacts, & award amount, etc.) related to the scholarships listed below is subject to change. Any questions should be directed to the organization offering the scholarship. Send scholarship/college information benefitting our membership to: recordingsecretary@ufanyc.org.

Scholarships for Line of Duty Deaths and Line of Duty Disability Dependents
Scholarships for Dependents of Active, Retired and Deceased Members
Scholarships offered by FDNY Fraternal Organizations
Scholarships and Educational Resources for Members
Complete UFA Scholarship Manual Resource Guide

Funds

UFA Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for dependent children of active, retired or deceased Firefighters, Fire Marshals, Marine Wipers, Marine Engineers & Pilots who are full-time students up to and including age 23 for undergraduate education.

Donate to the UFA Scholarship Fund
Thomas R. Elsasser Fund

The Thomas R. Elsasser Fund was established in 1992 to support the families of NYC Firefighters who died Non-Line of Duty as active members of the FDNY.

With your help we can support these families who don't have FDNY pensions or medical coverage. The funds are used to help with their medical costs, housing and repairs, and school tuitions to name a few.

Donate to the Elsasser Fund
Widows and Childrens Fund

The funds are deposited directly into the Widows and Childrens Fund account and distributed directly to the families of our Fallen Firefighters.

Donate to the Widows & Childrens Fund

You can donate electronically via PayPal or via Mail to:

Uniformed Firefighters Association
204 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010

*Exemption granted pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tax ID number: 13-4194707

Foundations

The Michael R. Davidson Foundation

This non-profit organization was formed to honor the memory of FDNY Lieutenant Michael R. Davidson, who made the ultimate sacrifice on March 23, 2018. Drawing inspiration from Michael's spirit of selflessness and his love for others, we look forward to giving back to the communities to which he served and belonged. Thus, our commitment to community will focus specifically on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of first responder and military families and their children.

Learn More
The Billy Moon Foundation

The Billy Moon Foundation is a 501(c) 3 charity. Our mission is to advocate, raise awareness, and to increase organ donation across the country. The heart of the foundation is to provide support through representation of the first responder communities, fundraising, and partnership with Organ Donor Organizations. We also strive to be a lifeline for our local communities and families in need.

Learn More
The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation

The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation honors the legacy of FDNY Firefighter Jesse Gerhard by continuing his life’s mission of leaving people and places better than he found them. Through fundraising and community support, the Foundation provides assistance to those in need while celebrating Jesse’s enduring spirit of service.

Learn More