State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council have awarded $1.5 million in grants to help volunteer fire departments purchase equipment that supports firefighter safety and emergency response.
The 2026 State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will provide $10,000 grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across 43 states. The funding is intended to help departments buy essential equipment, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and other operational necessities.
The program is delivered in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council, which said many local departments continue to face budget pressures despite the critical role played by volunteer responders. According to the council, 82% of U.S. fire departments are made up entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters.
Since launching in 2024, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program has distributed $4 million to support equipment needs at volunteer fire departments.
“Volunteer firefighters are there for their communities no matter what the emergency, from structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to natural disasters and hazardous materials incidents,” said Steve Hirsch, chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council. “Yet many local departments lack the funding to purchase the resources and gear they need, forcing them to rely on outdated or insufficient equipment.”
Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D executive for corporate responsibility, said the company is “proud to support volunteer firefighters with equipment needed to enhance safety.”
The 2026 recipients were announced on Aug. 18, which is marked by many as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. State Farm and the NVFC said they also plan to join selected grant recipients at community engagement events this fall, including open houses, fire prevention events, parades and other local gatherings. In addition, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants, giving responders access to benefits such as free training and support services.
