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.
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Governor Braun announces record year for Indiana tourism
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
Rockville Council strips Clerk-Treasurer of Town Manager duties
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
Governor Braun takes action to waive hours-of-service regulations for transporting propane
Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards
Cover Crop Premium Discount Program available for Hoosier farmers, new pre-enrollment available
Indiana FSSA extends open enrollment for HIP and PathWays Plans through December 24
Consumer Alert: Dozens of dangerous products recalled in November
