As reported by the NVFC, 100 volunteer fire departments across the United States will each receive a $10,000 grant through the inaugural State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.
These grants, totaling $1 million, will help the departments purchase essential equipment to improve safety, efficiency, and response capabilities.
This program, launched in partnership between State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), focuses on assisting fire departments with limited budgets.
State Farm initially committed to 50 grants but doubled the number after overwhelming interest from fire departments nationwide.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “We are grateful to State Farm for stepping up and providing this critical assistance to volunteer fire departments.
“Many of our nation’s fire departments operate on shoe-string budgets and struggle to fund the equipment and resources they need.”
State Farm expressed its dedication to supporting volunteer firefighters through this initiative.
Apsara Sorensen, corporate responsibility assistant vice president at State Farm, said: “We are proud to support the safety of volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives each and every day.”
Volunteer firefighters make up over 65% of the firefighting workforce in the U.S., particularly in rural areas and small towns.
Many of these departments face financial challenges and often rely on outdated equipment.
This grant program aims to address these issues by providing critical funding for necessary equipment that improves safety and operational effectiveness.
The eligibility criteria for the grant required fire departments to be at least 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, and have a revenue of no more than $250,000 in the most recent fiscal year.
State Farm also provided complimentary NVFC memberships for all applicants to ensure access to benefits such as free training and additional resources.
The high level of need identified through the application process led State Farm to commit to continuing the program in 2025.
The next round of grants will be offered to eligible volunteer fire departments to further support their operations.
This program aligns with State Farm’s mission to help build safer and more resilient communities across the United States.
State Farm and the NVFC will also participate in local events with 10 of the grant recipients during the fall, including open houses and fire prevention education events.
These efforts will raise awareness about fire safety while showcasing the impact of the grant funding.
Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in community safety, especially in rural areas and smaller towns where resources are often limited.
These firefighters dedicate their time and risk their lives to protect their communities without the benefits and resources that larger, fully funded departments may have.
The funding provided by this program helps bridge that gap, enhancing both firefighter safety and overall operational capabilities.
The program’s continued expansion reflects a commitment to providing ongoing support to departments that need it most.
With plans to offer grants again in 2025, more volunteer fire departments will have the opportunity to enhance their safety and operations through this initiative.
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have awarded $1 million in grants to 100 U.S. volunteer fire departments.
Each department will receive $10,000 to purchase essential equipment for enhanced safety and operations.
The program, launched in 2024, was created to assist departments with limited budgets.
Due to the high demand, State Farm doubled the number of grants from 50 to 100.
The program will continue in 2025.
Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in protecting communities, especially in rural areas, and this funding helps address critical equipment needs.