The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is a funding initiative administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the authority of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. This program is designed to support volunteer fire departments serving rural communities with populations under 10,000 by providing financial assistance for organizing, training, and equipping local firefighting forces to prevent and suppress fires.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and provides matching grants on a 50/50 basis. Recipients must initially fund the approved project using their local funds and later submit reimbursement requests to CAL FIRE. The funding levels for California vary annually, and priority is given to projects that serve multiple communities, particularly those with populations under 10,000.
Eligible expenses include training, personal protective equipment (PPE), fire communication systems, and essential firefighting equipment. However, new vehicle purchases, HAZMAT training, extrication equipment, and non-fire-related medical aid expenses are not eligible for funding. The grant is limited to a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $20,000 per recipient.
To qualify, applicants must be local government entities, volunteer fire departments, or fire districts serving rural areas with a population of 10,000 or less. Fire departments serving larger populations may qualify if at least part of their service area includes rural communities under the 10,000-population threshold. Grant funds must exclusively benefit the rural portion of their service area.
The application process requires submission of two copies of the application: one in a fillable format and another signed and scanned version. All applications must be submitted via email to CALFIRE.GRANTS@FIRE.CA.GOV by May 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Award notifications will be sent via email in August 2025, and successful applicants must complete their grant agreement package submission by December 1, 2025. Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026, and reimbursement invoices must be submitted by September 1, 2026.
For further inquiries, applicants may contact Bryan Giambrone, Deputy Chief, at Bryan.Giambrone@fire.ca.gov, or Amanda Jernigan, Grants Analyst, at Amanda.Jernigan@fire.ca.gov.
