Local fire departments to receive funding through Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program grants totalling $1.5 million in 2026
Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program grants will distribute a total of $1.5 million to local fire departments in 2026, supporting equipment purchases aimed at improving responder safety and operational effectiveness.
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council said the program, now in its third year, will provide 150 volunteer fire departments with $10,000 grants each.
“Volunteer fire departments respond to a wide array of emergencies, and they require specialized tools and equipment to safely and effectively answer the call. We are thrilled to team up with State Farm for this critical program that enables local fire departments to secure the equipment they need,” said Steve Hirsch, NVFC Chair. “This year will mark $4 million in support given to local departments, and we have already seen how the equipment funded through these grants have helped departments save lives and property.”
“At State Farm, helping people manage the risks of everyday life is part of our mission. We are committed to supporting safer, stronger, better educated communities,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Exec-Corporate Responsibility. “We are honored to back the work of volunteer firefighters, true good neighbors who put their lives on the line every day.”
The program will select 150 volunteer fire departments nationwide, with at least one recipient chosen from every state with 10 or more eligible applications. The first 2,000 applicants will also receive a one-year NVFC membership funded by State Farm, offering additional professional and operational benefits.
Applications for the 2026 program will be open from May 4 at noon ET to May 7 at noon ET.
Eligibility criteria require departments to be more than 50% volunteer, serve populations of 25,000 or fewer, and have annual revenues not exceeding $250,000. Eligible departments must also be located in the United States and legally organised under state law.
Grant funding can be used for equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), communications devices, rescue tools and other safety and operational resources.
Application guidance, eligibility details and FAQs are available on the program page at NVFC State Farm Program Page, with applications submitted through the same portal during the open window.
