What We Do

The Johnston Grimes Firefighters Foundation 501(c)(3) was formed August 18th 2024.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enrich our community through dedicated community involvement, professional education, and unwavering support for our members. We are committed to fostering community well-being by providing charitable activities, engaging in outreach programs, and offering donations. Our focus on professional development ensures that our members remain at the forefront of industry standards, equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to effectively serve and protect. Through robust membership support, we aim to create a nurturing environment that values member health, wellness, and resilience. Together, we strive to build a safer, stronger community while empowering our members to achieve excellence in their service. The Johnston-Grimes Firefighters Foundation will create opportunities for, and enhance the firefighters and community’s needs of: 

a) Community Enrichment – The Foundation will seek to enhance community well-being by providing charitable support and resources that address the needs of our neighbors. Through our non-profit organization, we are dedicated to fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion by aiding those in need, supporting local initiatives, and funding vital programs that contribute to community enrichment.

b) Professional Development – The Foundation will work to advance the skills and expertise of our members through dedicated professional development opportunities. We are committed to providing comprehensive training, educational resources, and career advancement programs that empower individuals to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to our mission. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, we aim to equip our members with the latest knowledge, best practices, and innovative techniques in their field

c) MembershipSupport- The Foundation will work to provide robust support and resources to our members, ensuring their success and well-being within our organization. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every member feels valued and equipped to thrive while serving the citizens of our community.

For fourteen years, our union has been a nationally recognized force for good. Through organizing events and donating funds from our union’s general fund, we have been able to directly support those in need within our communities. The general fund, which is supported by firefighter dues, covers expenses related to union membership with the International Association of Firefighters, The Iowa Professional Firefighters, and contract negotiations. Despite these costs, our firefighters have managed to raise and donate thousands of dollars to local causes.

Some of the initiatives we've supported include:

  • Annual donations to the food pantries of Johnston and Grimes

  • Contributions to the Toys For Tots drive

  • A Breast Cancer Fundraiser, where we match all proceeds and donate to a local cancer patient

  • An "Arts and Crafts with Santa" event at Station 39

  • Previous projects like Fishing with a Firefighter, building a pergola and specialized swing set with Make-A-Wish, and donating winter wear to Joppa through a partnership with Walmart.

    Our goal with the formation of the Johnston Grimes Firefighters Foundation is to continue giving back to the community, even after our shifts at the Fire Department end.