Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant
Forecasted
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department funds equipment, training, and prevention to improve wildland fire response in rural New Mexico.
Funder: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (application deadline, projected) | October 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per department for equipment/training; up to $24,999 for Wildland Coordinator position; 10% local match required.
Summary: Supports rural New Mexico fire departments with equipment, training, and resources to enhance wildland fire response and prevention.
Key Information: Applicants must serve communities under 10,000 population and provide a 10% non-federal match.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant, administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Forestry Division with funding from the USDA Forest Service, is designed to help rural fire departments in New Mexico strengthen their wildland fire response and prevention capabilities. The program provides financial support for the acquisition of wildland firefighting equipment, training, fire prevention initiatives, and, in some cases, funding for a Wildland Fire Coordinator position. The primary goal is to protect rural communities from catastrophic wildland fires by equipping and organizing local fire services, thereby enhancing public safety.
