The SFPE Foundation regularly funds research projects that meet our strategic priorities and provide value to the fire protection engineering community. These projects are low overhead and high impact, culminating in reports that are read by thousands of people all over the world. Our RFPs are developed with community input via groups like our GCI and WUI Working Groups. Projects are also guided by small external advisory panels made up of industry experts. 

There is so much research to be done. The more organizations who partner with us, the more we can do! Research partners are asked to make a $6,500 contribution to a project. In return, your partnership includes:

• +1 Advisory Panel Position (limited to 8 partners per project)
• Name of company representative on panel, listed in report findings
• Funding partner mentioned in report and all print/digital communications regarding the report
• Logo recognition in webinar dedicated to report findings
• Logo recognition in any report related presentations

To inquire about research funding partnership, please contact Amanda Tarbet, Sr. Program Manager.

Current Funding Partner Opportunities

Climate Impacts on Fire Protection Engineering

The SFPE Foundation is seeking industry partners to support a critical multi-year research initiative: Climate Impacts on Fire Protection Engineering. This project addresses the urgent need to update fire engineering design principles as historical environmental baselines shift due to global climate patterns.

Historical weather data and environmental conditions are no longer sufficient for ensuring long-term fire safety. Fire hazards are increasing in severity and frequency, appearing in regions previously considered "immune". Before the industry can adapt, these effects must be systematically assessed and quantified to provide engineers with reliable 21st-century methodologies. Read the full RFP.

Key objectives of this project include:

• Landscape Analysis: Assessing existing research on how climate impacts fire engineering principles.
• Climate Factor Quantification: Measuring how rising temperatures, droughts, and high winds are altering built-environment hazards.
• Adaptation Impact Study: Analyzing how sustainability efforts—such as electrification and green facades—introduce new or altered fire risks.
  

Partners are invited to appoint a representative to the project's External Advisory Panel, providing direct input and guidance on the research as it progresses. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of fire engineering, align your organization with cutting-edge research, and help establish the data and methods needed to make our communities safer and more sustainable.

Contact Amanda Tarbet for more information. 

Development of a BIM-Based Case File to Identify Fire Protection Data Exchange Needs Across the Building Lifecycle

The SFPE Foundation is seeking industry partners to support a new research project, Development of a BIM-Based Case File to Identify Fire Protection Data Exchange Needs Across the Building Lifecycle. This project aims to bridge the gap between fire protection engineering and the digitalized future of construction and building management.

While Building Information Modeling (BIM) is central to modern design and construction, fire protection data remains limited and inconsistent within these digital workflows. This project will establish the foundational framework for Digitalized Detection, Inspection, Operation, and Maintenance of the built environment. Read the full RFP.

This foundational project will address this gap by creating:

• A "Digital Sandbox": A BIM-based case file used to test and validate fire protection data in a controlled environment.
• Standardized Frameworks: Clear methods for capturing and exchanging data between designers, contractors, code officials, and facility managers.
• Open Access: A structured, reusable BIM framework built on non-proprietary standards.
• An Information Roadmap: A strategic guide addressing data ownership, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Partners are invited to appoint a representative to the project's External Advisory Panel, providing direct input and guidance on the research as it progresses. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of fire engineering, align your organization with cutting-edge research, and help establish the data and methods needed to make our communities safer and more sustainable.

Contact Amanda Tarbet for more information.