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.
Stay alert and share the road with farm equipment this fall
Putnam County Sheriff's Office investigating fatal crash
Gas prices on the rise in Indiana
Callans seeks seat on Rockville Town Board
Burkett eyes Vermillion County Council District 3 Seat
IDHS warns against disaster assistance fraud
Zamani seeks Vermillion County District 4 seat
USDA announces record payments of $13.8 billion for 2025 crop year revenue and price safety net programs
Nucor Corporation chooses additional expansion in Crawfordsville
Applications open for Indiana's Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program
USPS schedule for weekend into Columbus Day
Equipment investments keep working for Indiana habitat
Smith looks to punch ticket to Rockville Town Board seat
Pair of motorcycle crashes keep Parke County Sheriff's deputies busy
Parke Heritage Middle School awarded multi-million dollar Next Generation School Improvement Grant from IDOE
