Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Funding
Forecasted
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Funding from Montana DNRC helps rural fire departments boost wildland fire preparedness, training, and equipment to improve wildfire response.
Funder: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards require a 50% non-federal match; awards generally range up to several thousand dollars per project, but no single item over $5,000 is eligible.
Summary: Supports rural volunteer fire departments in Montana with funding for wildland fire preparedness, training, equipment, and response.
Key Information: 50% cost-share match required; only rural, volunteer fire departments serving communities of 10,000 or less are eligible.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides financial and technical support to rural volunteer fire departments. The program aims to enhance fire preparedness and mobilization capacity for the prevention, control, and suppression of wildland fires in rural Montana communities. Funding is provided on a competitive, reimbursement basis and supports activities such as training, equipment purchase (with restrictions), and organizational development to improve community safety and resilience.
