Small Cities: Apply Now for a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant

Guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened the latest round of applications for the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program.

The VFA Grant Program is a matching grant program that provides financial and technical assistance to Minnesota fire departments that protect cities or communities with a population under 10,000. 

Approximately 150 to 175 grants from $1,000 to $5,000 are awarded annually. The grants are made on a 50/50 match basis. Fire departments must use the grant money for fire protection and comply with existing state and county rural fire protection plans. 

To learn more about the VFA Grant Program and how to apply, download the 2025 VFA Grant Application or visit the DNR's Rural Fire Department Assistance webpage.

The grant application deadline is July 1. The end of this grant period is June 2025.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at twalsh@lmc.org or (651) 281-1231. 

Remember:   Responder Safety = Public Safety

In the meantime, stay safe!

Troy