Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund is a volunteer-run registered charity created in 1978 by Manitoba firefighters to support burn care, rehabilitation, research and prevention. It distributes bursaries to young burn survivors, funds fire prevention initiatives for fire departments, and supports programs such as burn camps and survivor services across Manitoba. View Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 24, 2026
About Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund
What is the mission of Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund?
The Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund’s mission is to raise and distribute charitable funds to improve burn care, rehabilitation and research, support burn survivors and their families, and prevent fire and burn injuries throughout Manitoba.
What type of organization is Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund?
Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund is a Non-profit organization.
When was Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund founded?
Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund was founded in 1978-03.
What is Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund's official website?
Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund's official website is http://www.burnfundmb.ca/.
What else should I know about Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund?
Role of Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund in the funding ecosystem
The Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund is a registered charitable organization founded in March 1978 by members of the fire service in Winnipeg and now supported by firefighters across Manitoba. Operated entirely by volunteers, the Fund raises money from individual donors, corporate sponsors and community events to support high-quality burn care, treatment, rehabilitation and research, as well as fire and burn prevention initiatives. It channels these resources into a mix of direct financial assistance, bursaries, project funding and strategic investments that benefit burn survivors, health institutions and fire departments throughout the province.
Main funding streams and programs
- Bursary Program: Each year, the Fund sets aside money for up to six bursaries of $1,000 for young adult burn survivors who were treated in the Children’s Hospital Burn Unit and are pursuing post-secondary education or trade school. These bursaries help remove financial barriers to education for survivors.
- The Prevention Fund: This dedicated fund assists fire departments across Manitoba in delivering local fire and burn prevention programs. Departments are invited to submit applications outlining their community’s prevention needs, proposed materials or equipment, and estimated costs. Applications are reviewed and may be funded in full or in part, sometimes as seed money toward larger purchases.
- Program and project support: The Fund finances initiatives such as children’s burn camps, young adult retreats, support for burn survivor societies, burn unit enhancements at Health Sciences Centre, and large-scale prevention projects like the purchase and deployment of fire safety trailers used as mobile classrooms.
General approach to applications and evaluation
For structured programs such as The Prevention Fund, the Burn Fund asks applicants to provide a clear description of the identified need, details on suppliers or goods required, and a budget estimate. Requests are reviewed by the organization, which may seek additional information before deciding whether to fund the proposal fully or partially. For bursaries, eligibility focuses on being a burn survivor previously treated in the Children’s Hospital Burn Unit and enrolling in recognized post-secondary or trade training.
Supported audiences and overall impact
The Burn Fund’s beneficiaries include burn survivors of all ages, their families, clinical burn teams, and fire departments across Manitoba. Young survivors receive educational bursaries and access to rehabilitation-oriented camps and retreats. Healthcare professionals benefit from funding for continuing education, conferences and research skill development, while hospitals receive support for specialized burn units and equipment. Fire services and communities are supported through prevention-focused grants, large capital projects like fleets of fire safety trailers, and public education initiatives that aim to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries.
Governance, transparency and partnerships
The Firefighters Burn Fund is incorporated in Manitoba and operates without paid staff; no salaries are paid to board members or volunteers. It is not a United Way member agency and does not receive government operating grants, relying instead on donations, sponsorships and fundraising activities. The organization publicly acknowledges major donors and partners, such as insurance companies and public-sector agencies, whose contributions have enabled multi-year projects, including a $1,000,000 fire safety trailer program implemented in collaboration with Red River Mutual and the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
History and evolution
Since its creation in 1978, the Fund has grown from a Winnipeg initiative into a province-wide effort involving firefighters from many Manitoba communities. Over time, it has expanded from basic support for burn care to a broader portfolio that includes survivor-focused programs, prevention education, professional development for burn teams and major capital investments. Its long-term presence and CRA registration number reflect a stable, community-rooted charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for burn survivors and preventing burn injuries.