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.

This year the application process has moved to the:

Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Grant Management System (GMS). You will need to create an account, complete the application and all required documentation.

See resources in the Additional Resources section for information on how to create an account and access guides for using the Grant Management System. Email the Grant Manager @ alex.belote@mass.gov for assistance with the application. 

Requirements for Fire Department VFC eligibility per Federal Guidelines:

• have 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]

The application period is now open. The submission deadline for the 2025 VFC Grant (to be awarded FY2027) is January 23rd, 2026.

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

Create an account and start the application process for the 2025 VFC Grant funding (to be awarded FY2027) here:

Login/Register to Apply

The State Forester's office will:

• Select projects on a competitive basis.
• Provide funding for selected projects involving wildland fire training, Personal Protective Equipment, and equipment purchases. Projects may be for firefighter safety, technology transfer, and rural fire defense. Medical and rescue purchases are not eligible.

• Approve a cost-sharing rate of 50% not to exceed $3,500.00 per grant. 

  VFC is a 50/50 match grant. 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: 

  • 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

COMMBUYS Bid #: BD-26-1020-DCRFC-DC366-123404