Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program
Forecasted
Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program supports Massachusetts rural call and volunteer fire departments with wildland fire training, protective gear, and suppression equipment to advance safety and rural fire defense.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: 50% reimbursement, up to $3,500 per grant; departments fund 100% upfront
Summary: Supports Massachusetts rural call and volunteer fire departments with wildland fire training, protective equipment, and suppression equipment.
Key Information: Departments must serve fewer than 10,000 people and have at least 80% call or volunteer firefighters.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program, formerly VFA, provides technical, financial, and other assistance to Massachusetts fire departments for forest fire purposes. It is delivered through a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry. Support has included training, Class A foam, personal protective gear, forestry tools, and other fire suppression equipment.
Competitive grants support wildland fire training, personal protective equipment, and equipment purchases for firefighter safety, technology transfer, and rural fire defense. The State Forester’s office selects projects, while DCR seeks to distribute limited funding fairly and equitably across eligible call and volunteer fire departments. The program focuses on forest and wildland fire needs, rather than medical or rescue purchases.
