State Senator Sue Rezin | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Sue Rezin | Illinois General Assembly
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants, which will be open until April 14. These grants aim to support rural fire departments in organizing, training, and equipping their teams, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
The VFA program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, offers matching funds covering up to 50% of project costs with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Fire departments are required to make initial payments before receiving reimbursements.
In the previous year, the program distributed $212,811 to fund 30 projects across Illinois. The funding supported the purchase of essential equipment such as radios, hoses, protective gear, and chainsaws.
The IDNR encourages all eligible fire departments to apply for these grants to enhance their firefighting capabilities. Further details on grant requirements and opportunities can be accessed through the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.