Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Offering 150 Grants to Volunteer Departments

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will award $10,000 grants to volunteer fire departments across the country to support equipment and safety needs.

Funded by State Farm and administered by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the program is now in its third year and continues to focus on improving responder safety and effectiveness.

Volunteer fire departments will have a limited window to apply, with the 2026 application period open from May 4 at noon ET through May 7 at noon ET. Applications must be submitted during this three-day period through the program’s official webpage.

To ensure nationwide reach, at least one recipient will be selected from each state that submits 10 or more eligible applications. In addition, the first 2,000 applicants will receive a complimentary one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of State Farm. The membership includes a variety of resources and benefits designed to support responders both on and off duty.

To be eligible to apply, departments must:

• be over 50 percent volunteer

• serve a population of 25,000 or less

• have an annual revenue of no more than $250,000

• be located in the United States and legally organized under state law.

Grant funding can be used to purchase a wide range of equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), communication devices, rescue tools, and other technology that enhances safety and operational readiness.

To assist with the application process, the NVFC provides guidance materials, a list of eligible equipment, and answers to frequently asked questions on the program’s website.