2025 Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC)

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is a federally funded grant program that allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. The VFC Program is not intended for major equipment purchases (fire engines, vehicles, etc.) or capital repairs. The VFC Program has a 50/50 match provision, which requires the applying department to be able to meet the intended grant award, dollar for dollar. Awards for departments are set at a minimum of $500 with a maximum of $20,000. Amounts may be adjusted based on the grant funding available. For additional information please contact Amanda Jernigan at Amanda.Jernigan@fire.ca.gov or Bryan Giambrone at Bryan.Giambrone@fire.ca.gov. Please visit the Cooperative Efforts web page on the CAL FIRE website for more information about this grant and how to apply. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-protection/cooperative-efforts Program Details Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is a state agency that offers the 2025 Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant program to support equipment purchase. This funding opportunity is available statewide and is administered by Department of Forestry and Fire Protection through California Grants Portal. Organizations seeking funding for equipment purchase should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application. Eligibility Eligible applicants should review the full program requirements on California Grants Portal for specific eligibility restrictions. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or on California Grants Portal before investing time in an application. Funding and Timeline Applications are due by May 5, 2025. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds. Program Focus This grant supports equipment purchase. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 113. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes. How to Apply Eligible organizations can apply through California Grants Portal. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for. GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Programs related to forestry

Award details

Applications close on May 5, 2025.

Categories

Equipment Purchase