Volunteer Fire Assistance Matching Grant

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Matching Grant Program, formerly known as the Rural Community Fire Protection (RCFP) program, was established in 1975 and is administered by the Indiana Division of Forestry. This grant program is supported through federal funds allocated to the state of Indiana, which are then disbursed to eligible rural and volunteer fire departments. The initiative was created to address the growing need for improved fire suppression and prevention capabilities in rural communities by supporting the organization, training, and equipping of fire protection entities. The program's fundamental goal is to enhance fire protection in rural areas by bolstering the capacity of volunteer fire departments. To qualify for assistance under this program, applicants must be recognized fire protection organizations that provide primary fire protection services to a rural area or community. A rural community, in this context, is defined as one with a population of 10,000 or less. However, if a fire department serves a larger municipality but also extends services to a separate rural area, it may still qualify for funding—though funds may only be used for the rural area it supports. Funding from the VFA program can be applied to a variety of essential fire-related activities and purchases. Examples of eligible uses include fire prevention and public education materials, firefighter training supplies, water handling equipment, organizational support for newly established departments, and communication tools such as pagers and radios. Departments may also use funds to install dry hydrants, acquire Class "A" foam technology, and purchase critical safety gear, including PASS alarms, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), and turn-out gear. Importantly, there are restrictions on funding usage: grant money cannot be used for vehicle chassis purchases, capital improvements to fire stations, or for EMS-specific equipment or supplies. The program operates on a matching grant basis, although the specific ratio or amount of required match is not detailed in the current announcement. Departments receiving funding are expected to complete their approved projects within a two-year window. This extended timeframe allows flexibility in procurement, implementation, and documentation processes. Applications for the VFA Matching Grant Program are due annually by March 1. This recurring deadline means that fire departments should prepare in advance each year if they intend to apply. The program is recognized for its efficiency, with nearly all funds reaching local fire protection agencies directly—minimizing overhead and maximizing community impact. For further information, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Mark T. Huter at (765) 792-4654 or via email at [email protected]. His role includes providing program guidance and responding to technical or eligibility-related inquiries. Although no URL for program guidelines or applications was included in the available source, departments should consult the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry for additional application materials and submission requirements.