Volunteer Fire Capacity Program
Forecasted
The Volunteer Fire Capacity Program funds rural Maine fire departments for wildland fire equipment and training, strengthening local wildfire prevention and response.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Full application) | March 2027 (Assurances/SAM) | July 2027 (Final receipts)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per applicant (50/50 match required); no single equipment item may exceed $9,999. Awards are reimbursement-based.
Summary: Supports rural Maine fire departments with funding and technical assistance for wildland fire equipment and training.
Key Information: Only departments serving rural communities (≤10,000 population) are eligible; reimbursement grant with strict documentation requirements.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Capacity Program (VFC), managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry, provides federal financial and technical assistance to rural fire departments in Maine for the purpose of organizing, training, and equipping personnel to prevent and suppress wildfires. The program is designed to strengthen wildfire response capabilities in communities with populations of 10,000 or less, supporting the purchase of eligible wildland fire equipment and specialized training. This is a reimbursement grant program and requires a 50/50 local match.
