The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants, with the deadline set for February 16th.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the VFA program offers matching funds to help fire departments purchase new equipment and support training needs. The funding is distributed by IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies throughout the state.
The VFA grant program reimburses 50% of approved project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients must initially cover the costs and will be reimbursed afterward.
In 2025, the program awarded $322,893 to support 48 projects across Illinois. Previous grants have funded items such as radios, hoses, self-contained breathing apparatus, turn-out gear, wildland personal protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, backpack blowers, modifications to federal excess vehicles and equipment, and more.
More details about eligibility, requirements, and how to apply can be found on the IDNR grants website and in the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.