The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies.
The VFA grant program reimburses 50% of the recipients’ project costs up to $10,000. Grant recipients must make the initial financial outlay for the projects before being reimbursed.
In 2025, the program awarded $322,893 for 48 Illinois projects. The types of projects that have been funded under previous grants include radios, hoses, self-contained breathing apparatus, turn-out gear, wildland personal protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, backpack blowers, modifying federal excess vehicles and equipment, and other equipment.
Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
Indiana State Police Announces the Appointment of F/Sgt. Bob Burgess to Captain
Car Recyclers, Inc. earns Indiana Clean Yard-Gold Level award for 5th time
Single-vehicle crash closes road Thursday in Pulaski County
NASA confirms Tuesday's sonic boom was caused by meteor
Indiana Corn Marketing Council seeks farmers to serve on its board of directors
ICAC looks to grow in search for online predators
Logansport man arrested during sex crimes sting in Shelby County
