Vermont Wildland Fire Gear Grant

Vermont Wildland Fire Gear Grant is sponsored by Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. This grant program provides financial assistance to equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities (population 10,000 or less) in Vermont to prevent and suppress wildland fires.

Consult program-specific guidance for additional information. Links to other sites offered in this document are provided to assist municipalities: the inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement or approval of the linked site or product. PACIF Grants – Municipalities that are members of VLCT PACIF can apply for turnout gear, SCBA equipment, EMS clothing, and other emergency services protective gear.

These items are covered only one time per member. Repeat requests for the same type of emergency services protective gear are not eligible. These requests are limited to a maximum reimbursement of $1,000, to give more members an opportunity to take advantage of the grant program.

Vermont Wildland Fire Gear Grant - Funds gear and equipment used to fight wildland fires. Awards up to $3,000. Towns/departments awarded funds through this program will purchase their own gear and equipment and submit receipts for reimbursement.

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) – The AFG helps firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Awards are up to $1 million.

USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program – Provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas, which is defined as a community with a population up to 20,000.

Examples of essential community facilities include health care facilities; public facilities; community support services; public safety services; educational service providers such as museums and libraries; private schools; utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment; and local food systems. Projects might receive a grant, loan, or grant/loan combination.

We recommend discussing projects with USDA staff prior to applying. Firefighter Property Program – The Firefighter Property Program (FFP) refers to one of the Department of Defense's (DoD) special programs where firefighters can get excess DoD property to be used for firefighting and emergency services. Certain property obtained from this program passes ownership after it has been in use for a specified period.

This program is managed by the Forest Service with the cooperation of the state forestry agencies. Contact the State forester for information. Gary Sinise Foundation First Responder Grant – Funds equipment and training for law enforcement, fire departments, and paramedic/EMS departments to ensure that first responders can perform their job optimally.

Prioritizes volunteer and underfunded departments. The website does not provide much information. Vermont municipalities have received these grants.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation – Supports first responder lifesaving equipment, including but not limited to vehicle extrication tools, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), bunker gear, thermal imaging cameras, automated chest compression systems, vehicle stabilization struts, bulletproof vests, all-terrain vehicles, and fire hoses.

Also funds prevention education, scholarships and continuing education, and disaster relief. Average funding range is $15,000 to $25,000. The maximum award is $40,000.

600 applications are accepted quarterly, so apply early in the quarter. Applicants that receive an award must wait a minimum of three years before reapplying. Matching funds are not required.

Primarily funds projects within 60 miles of a Firehouse Subs restaurant (Williston, VT or find a location in an adjacent state) but applications from rural and volunteer departments outside that range are considered. A Vermont municipality was awarded one of these grants in 2022. State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grant – Provides grants in three focus areas: safety, community development, and education.

Grants are directed toward automobile and roadway safety, home safety and fire prevention, disaster preparedness, disaster recovery, and personal financial safety and security. The application process begins with an online support request. This can lead to an invitation to apply.

FM Foundation Fire Service Grant Program – Provides financial support to develop, upgrade, and implement effective pre-incident plans that enhance readiness and response strategies. This includes funding for technology, training, equipment, and other critical components that contribute to the development of detailed, actionable plans tailored to the unique needs and risks of their respective communities.

Grant funds may be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: acquisition of pre-incident planning software and technologies; training and workshops for personnel on effective planning techniques; development of detailed maps, blueprints, and databases of high-risk areas; and conducting risk assessments and simulations to refine response strategies. Maximum funding is $5,000.

Applications open annually and remain open until 300 applications are received. The Leary Firefighters Foundation Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program – Provides grants for training, equipment, and technology to both paid and volunteer departments. Grant size varies but typically ranges from $5,000 to $35,000.

Letters of Inquiry required; applications by invitation only. Annual applications cycle. Congressional Appropriation - Congressional appropriations were formerly known as Earmarks and are currently known as Congressionally Directed Spending for the Senate and Community Project Funding for the House of Representatives.

Projects are nominated by Members of Congress for funding through the appropriations bill. The Senate and House have different rules for these requests. Projects benefit from advanced discussion with Congressional staff.

If selected, funds pass through a federal agency with that agency’s associated grant terms and conditions. Funds may not be available for 1-4 years based on agency capacity. Information is available on websites of Senator Sanders , Senator Welch , and Representative Balint .

Projects are usually submitted in late February through mid-March annually. Many municipalities lack capacity for grant writing and administration. VLCT published a resource, Increasing Municipal Capacity for Grants , that offers ideas for assistance with grants.

Disclaimer : This resource was created by Municipal Operations Support (MOS) staff of non-legal professionals with expertise of the subject matter. It is only intended to provide information and does NOT constitute legal advice. Readers with legal questions are encouraged to contact an attorney.

The use or downloading of this resource does NOT create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated in a confidential manner. Non-legal questions about this resource can be directed to MOS staff at mos@vlct. org .

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