IDNR awards grants to 73 volunteer fire departments across Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has awarded $495,000 in federal grants to 73 volunteer fire departments across the state to help with purchasing new equipment or paying for fire training.
The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies.
The 73 grantees provide fire protection to about 250,000 Illinois residents, primarily in rural areas of Illinois.
Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
Communities in the 101 District Receiving Funding Include:
Champaign County
- Broadlands-Longview Fire Protection District, $9,577
- Tolono Fire Protection District, $9,660
Coles County
- Lincoln Fire Protection District, $8,861
Douglas County
- Tuscola Fire Department, $10,000