SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants, available from February 14 through April 14. These grants provide critical support to rural fire departments by funding the purchase of equipment, training, and organizing efforts to enhance rural fire protection and prevent wildland fires.

The VFA program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, offers matching funds to assist fire departments in purchasing new equipment and funding training initiatives. These grants are specifically designed to aid fire departments operating in areas at risk in the wildland-urban interface.

Grant recipients can receive reimbursement for 50% of their project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000. However, applicants must initially fund the project before receiving reimbursement from the grant. In 2024, the program awarded over $212,000 to support 30 projects across Illinois, funding critical equipment like radios, hoses, breathing apparatus, wildland gear, chainsaws, and more.

For more details on eligibility and to apply, visit the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.