It has been announced that 150 local volunteer fire departments will receive a $10,000 grant through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program to buy equipment that improves responder safety and effectiveness.
This marks the program’s second year, funded by State Farm and administered by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch shared: “We are thrilled to work with State Farm to better equip our local volunteer fire departments.
“Volunteer firefighters are the lifeblood of our communities, yet many departments struggle to find the funding for the equipment and tools they need.
“Thanks to these grants from State Farm, we can help make sure our responders are better prepared for when the call comes in.”
Rasheed Merritt, State Farm’s Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President said: “At State Farm part of our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life.
“We are committed to helping build safer, stronger, better educated communities.
“We are proud to support the safety of volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives each and every day.”
In addition to the grants, the first 2,000 applicants will receive an NVFC membership, courtesy of State Farm. Membership comes with a variety of benefits that support responders and help them be at their best on and off the job.
The application period will be open for three days, from 12:00am ET on June 4 through 11:59pm ET on June 6.
To be eligible to apply, departments must be over 50 percent volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, have an annual revenue no more than $250,000, and be located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law.
Grants can be used to fund a variety of equipment, including PPE, technology, communication devices, rescue tools and more.
The NVFC and State Farm has announced the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will return for a second year, gifting $1.5 million over 150 volunteer fire departments.
