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Application period for volunteer firefighter safety grants now open

August 2, 2024

Firefighter safety program grants $500,000 to volunteer fire departments in the U.S.

The application period is now open for the inaugural State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

State Farm has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to distribute $500,000 in grants to local volunteer fire departments.

A total of 50 departments will each receive a $10,000 grant to acquire essential equipment, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of their responders.

The application period remains open through August 18 or until 500 applications are received, as reported by the National Volunteer Fire Council.

Volunteers make up 65% of the U.S. fire service.

Many small-town and rural communities depend heavily on volunteers for emergency services.

However, many volunteer departments operate on limited budgets, making it challenging to obtain necessary equipment.

Departments often have to manage with outdated or insufficient tools.

Eligibility criteria for grant application

The State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program grants, in collaboration with the NVFC, will assist local fire departments in acquiring the equipment they need to enhance responder safety and community service.

To be eligible, departments must meet the following criteria:

  • The grant must be used for eligible fire department equipment.
  • The applicant or department chief must be a member of the NVFC.
  • To support this, State Farm is offering complimentary memberships to the first 500 eligible applicants.
  • The department must be at least 50% volunteer, with paid on-call considered as volunteer.
  • The department must be located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law.
  • The department must serve a population of 25,000 or less.
  • The department’s revenue for the most recent fiscal year must not exceed $250,000.
  • The department must demonstrate a need for the grant and explain the impact the funds will have on the department and community.
  • The department must agree to share a photo or video and publicize the grant award, with NVFC providing promotional tools and templates.
  • The department must report back within four months on the use of the grant funds.

Up to 500 applications will be accepted for the 2024 grant cycle, with only one application per department.

Statements from NVFC and State Farm officials

NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch expressed gratitude for the support: “The NVFC is extremely grateful to State Farm for addressing a critical need for our local fire departments.

“These grants will increase the safety and readiness of responders and enable them to better protect their communities.

“Volunteer responders are truly neighbors helping neighbors in their hour of need.

“We are pleased to join with State Farm to provide this opportunity to make sure these departments have the tools and equipment to succeed.”

Apsara Sorensen, State Farm corporate responsibility assistant vice president, highlighted State Farm’s commitment: “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.”

For full program information and to apply, visit www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

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