Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program

In a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and Massachusetts DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, we once again offer an opportunity for rural fire departments to apply competitive funding through the Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant (VFC). The DCR strives to distribute these limited funds fairly and equitably throughout the eligible Call/Volunteer fire service in Massachusetts.

The submission deadline for the 2024 VFC Grant is now closed.

• VFC Grant Project Start Date will be July 1^st 2025.  Grant Notifications and executed contracts will be sent to towns prior to this date.
• All projects and purchases must be completed by 5/31/2026.
• Payment Request for Reimbursement including invoices & proof of payment must be submitted by 6/30/2026.

Requirements for Fire Department VFC eligibility per Federal Guidelines:

• a population of less than 10,000
• be 80% or more call or volunteer
• be recognized as a fire department by the state
• be NIMS (National Incident Management System compliant [Incident Command, Multi-Agency Coordination and Public Information Systems]

*All applicants must be registered as vendors in COMMBUYS to apply. To find out if you are registered you can email OSD Help Desk at OSDHELPDESK@MASS.GOV or call them during normal business hours (8am - 5pm ET Monday – Friday) at 1-888-627-8283.

If your town or fire district is not registered, use the COMMBUYS Registration Job Aid link below.

CommBuys Vendor Registration Job Aide

Commbuys Bid # BD-25-1020-DCRFS-DC367-110165

COMMBUYS - Bid Solicitation

The State Forester's office will:

• Select projects on a competitive basis.
• Provide funding for selected projects involving training, Personal Protective Equipment prevention, and equipment purchases.  Projects may be for firefighter safety, technology transfer, and rural fire defense.  Medical and rescue purchases are not be eligible.
• Approve a cost-sharing rate of 50% not to exceed $3,500.00 per grant. 
  • a $7,000 project will be reimbursed $3,500
  • a $8,000 project will be reimbursed $3,500
  • a $2,000 project will be reimbursed $1,000

This is a reimbursable payment. The fire department funds 100% of the grant project and they will be reimbursed 50% of the approved award amount or up to $3,500.  For example: 

The Submission deadline or the 2024 VFC Grant is now closed. 

A well thought out and budget wise submission will help us award as many towns as possible. Thorough descriptions or risk assessments of areas or situations in your town which places your community at elevated wildland fire risk, and narratives of the benefits of the proposal will make your application more competitive. 

Each submission must include the following completed and signed documents:

• VFC Application
• Standard Contract
• A-133 Part B form (your town or fire district is the Sub-Recipient)
• Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing
• AD-1048 Certification Regarding Debarment 

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Cover Letter and Guidelines