Programs and Impact

How We Help

Using a compassionate and hands on approach, The Eric Marsh Foundation provides assistance to firefighters, and families in need, using an all encompassing approach. From financial assistance for acute crisis travel logistics and family transportation costs, to emotional and mental health support from your EMF family and mental health professionals, The Eric Marsh Foundation prides itself for its collective 11 years of  “boots on the ground” understanding of critical needs during crisis. As a widowed wildland fire spouse, Amanda Marsh leads the Eric Marsh Foundation from a deep place of understanding through experience. Guiding widows and the fire service through the toughest, most painful moments, Amanda and the Board of Directors work tirelessly to create a sense of hope when the world falls apart. 

What the Foundation Does

The Eric Marsh Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing critical emotional and financial support to wildland firefighters and their families during times of crisis and into healing. 

Key Areas of Impact

Financial Assistance

The Eric Marsh Foundation steps in during the gap when next-of-kin are awaiting official benefits to cover urgent needs. Year to date ( 2025), the Eric Marsh Foundation has distributed more than $52,000 through our programs.

Emotional & Mental Health Support

Beyond financial assistance, the Eric Marsh Foundation provides emotional support and mental health resources—for example, through access to mental health professionals and peer networks—designed to help firefighters and their families cope with trauma, injury, or loss.

Scholarships & Training Support

The Eric Marsh Foundation offers scholarships to firefighters attending wildland fire academies, specifically S-130/S-190 training programs essential for starting careers in wildland firefighting.

The Eric Marsh Foundation gives yearly scholarships to the children of fallen wildland firefighters to support education and sports. 

Community & Solidarity

By building a tight-knit, supportive community, the Eric Marsh Foundation reassures those impacted that they have a broader family and that their loved ones are honored and remembered. 

"Thank you for including this tremendous loss, and recognizing each and every one of us. In awe of your love and strength."

"A blessing … a godsend … HOPE, Grace, understanding. I can’t even put into words what this weekend meant to me. More than anything just being with these amazing women who just GET IT. The feelings and emotions we share are beyond comprehension. Thank You for the opportunity to connect with other widows, and have experiences we would not otherwise get to have."

"Beyond needed and didn’t even know it. What a blessing this weekend was for me."