Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services fund equipment and training to boost rural volunteer fire departments' science-based fire prevention and suppression capabilities.
Funder: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications accepted until funds are exhausted)
Funding Amounts: 50% federal cost-share; applicant must provide at least 50% matching funds; grants typically run for one year from approval.
Summary: Supports rural Florida volunteer fire departments with funding for essential equipment, training, and fire suppression resources.
Key Information: Preference given to personal protective gear, communications, water handling equipment, and training; vehicles/high-value equipment generally not funded.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), aim to strengthen the capabilities of rural volunteer fire departments across Florida. The program provides federal financial and technical assistance to help state foresters organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural areas and communities with populations of 10,000 or less. The grants are designed to enhance fire prevention and suppression, with a strong focus on improving safety and readiness in underserved, high-need rural locations.
