Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program for FY2025 is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Forest Resources, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. This program provides financial support to local rural fire departments through a competitive, 50/50 cost-share grant mechanism. The program is rooted in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 and the Forest Stewardship Act of 1990 and relies on annual congressional appropriations to fund its awards. The program is currently in its 42nd year, having supported over 1,600 grants totaling more than $6 million during its history. The purpose of the grant is to improve the capabilities of fire protection services in rural communities and areas with limited access to firefighting infrastructure. Grants are available to eligible fire departments for the purchase of equipment and materials that support fire suppression, prevention, and preparedness. The maximum award per department is $10,000, and the grant is reimbursed at 50% of total eligible costs. This means departments must initially cover the full cost of their project and will receive reimbursement for half that amount upon submission of proper documentation. To be eligible, applicants must represent a fire department, fire protection district, or similar entity serving a rural area or community with a population of 10,000 or fewer. Fire agencies serving larger communities may still qualify if they provide protection to adjoining or included rural areas under 10,000 population. Applications are accepted from single departments, fire districts, and fire protection agencies that meet these criteria. Applicants must also have an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IDNR and be in good standing with the State of Illinois, including having an active DUNS number, SAMS Cage code, and not being listed on the State Stop Pay or Federal Excluded Parties lists. The grant funds may be used to purchase a range of fire suppression and support equipment, including SCBAs, turnout gear, wildland PPE, communication systems, slip-on units, and hand tools such as chainsaws and blowers. Projects involving installation of dry hydrants and minor vehicle modifications to federal excess property are also eligible. However, the purchase of new fire trucks, construction projects, EMS or HazMat gear, and computers are ineligible. All funded equipment must support fire suppression or prevention in rural settings. No individual item funded may cost $5,000 or more. Applications must include a Uniform Application for State Assistance, the VFA FY25 Application, and a completed Budget Template. These forms can be submitted electronically or as scanned documents via email to Matthew Bernhardt at Matthew.Bernhardt@illinois.gov. The application window opened on February 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on April 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. CST. All submissions must be received by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Each application is scored and evaluated based on a number of criteria including fire hazard risk, number of cooperating departments, insurance improvements, applicant's tax base, and whether the project protects state or federal land. Additional factors such as inclusion of training, compatibility with rural protection plans, and equipment eligibility are considered. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to either Matthew Bernhardt at 217-299-3790 or Adrian Walker at 217-524-9628, or via email to the contacts listed in the program materials.

Review Section 3 Evaluation Criteria to improve scoring. Use maps and photos if available.