Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry as part of its broader mission to support wildfire prevention and response capacity across the state. The program is specifically designed to assist rural and volunteer fire departments in enhancing their operational readiness for wildland fire incidents. By providing financial assistance through a cost-share model, the program strengthens local firefighting capabilities while reinforcing statewide wildfire protection strategies. The primary purpose of the program is to fund the acquisition of essential wildland firefighting equipment and resources. Eligible expenditures include utility terrain vehicles and all-terrain vehicles, wildfire slip-in units, personal protective equipment, MARCS communication devices, and other tools that directly support fire suppression and rural fire department development. The program emphasizes investments that improve response efficiency, firefighter safety, and interoperability in wildfire-prone areas. Funding is distributed through a 50/50 cost share structure, meaning recipients must match the grant funds with an equal contribution from their own or other non-federal sources. The maximum award available under the program is 10000 dollars, which defines the upper limit of reimbursable project costs under the cost-sharing agreement. This requirement ensures local investment and commitment while enabling departments to stretch limited budgets for capital purchases. Eligibility for the program is restricted to fire departments located within designated Ohio Division of Forestry Wildfire Protection Areas. These areas include specific counties across the state, reflecting regions with heightened wildfire risk. Applicants must meet several administrative requirements, including possession of a Fire Department Identification number, a Unique Entity Identifier registered in sam.gov, and enrollment in the OhioPays system with valid payment information. Additionally, departments must demonstrate that at least 80 percent of their personnel are volunteer firefighters, as verified through the national fire department registry. The application process requires departments to prepare and submit documentation demonstrating eligibility, equipment needs, and compliance with registration requirements. While specific application components are not detailed in the provided material, applicants are expected to ensure all organizational data is accurate and up to date in federal and state systems prior to submission. This administrative readiness is essential for both eligibility verification and timely disbursement of funds. The next application period is scheduled to open on November 15, 2026, indicating that the program operates on a recurring cycle. Although the exact closing date is not specified, the structured announcement of a future opening suggests an annual funding opportunity. Contact information is provided for program coordination, including a named program coordinator, phone number, and email address, allowing applicants to seek clarification and guidance during the preparation process. Overall, the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program serves as a targeted funding mechanism to bolster rural firefighting infrastructure in Ohio. By focusing on equipment acquisition and requiring matching funds, the program promotes both preparedness and local investment, ultimately contributing to safer communities and more effective wildfire response across designated protection areas.